Report

Fulfilling its potential?

This report from UK think tank the Social Market Foundation looks at how well careers information and guidance serve the people it is meant to support in England.

Careers advice should give young people the information and guidance they need to make informed choices about their future. But not everyone gets a full range of options. This report examines school leavers and adult learners’ experiences of careers information, advice and guidance (IAG) in England. Drawing on focus groups with school leavers, adult learners and parents, plus discussions with experts and practitioners, it presents new evidence on the way that people engage with IAG. Despite the fact that existing legislation requires vocational and academic options to be presented as equally viable, many students in years 12 and 13 do not feel they’re hearing enough about the vocational education and training options available to them, and want to know more. Our new report on careers guidance in England presents some solutions on what policymakers can do to address these issues and create a careers environment that can help all students and adult learners fulfil their potential.