§ Bob RussellTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what his policy is on the provision of a careers service for young people; and if he will make a statement. [163649]
§ Margaret Hodge[holding answer 5 March 2004]Responsibility for providing young people with the advice and support they need to make informed learning1178W and career choices is shared between Connexions and schools. Schools provide the underpinning skills young people need to investigate options and manage transitions through learning into work, through a planned programme of careers education in years nine-11 (to be extended to years seven and eight from September 2004). This is complemented by support from Connexions at key decision-making and transition points. All young people aged 13–19 have access to Connexions, with the level of support provided in each individual case being differentiated according to need.
In order to assure ourselves that the current arrangements are robust—in particular in light of changes to the 14–19 phase of education announced in January last year—we have initiated a review of careers education and guidance which will report in Summer 2004.