PRESS RELEASE : New National Careers Service launched [April 2012]

The press release issued by the Department for Education on 5 April 2012.

National Careers Service

Combining face to face to face local advice with a new interactive website, the new National Careers Service will:

• Provide information and advice for approximately 370,000 young people through the use of the helpline and website.
• Offer face to face advice to 700,000 adults each year in a range of locations in local communities.
• Provide detailed sector by sector labour market information so people can discover which industries are growing in their area.
• Provide tools such as a CV builder and a Skills Health Check on the website to help people identify their skills strengths and gaps.
• Allow people to open a Lifelong Learning Account, which gives them clear information and advice on skills, careers and financial support in a single, personalised online space.

John Hayes said:

“The National Careers Service, universally available to people at all stages of their careers, has the very best interactive tools on its website and the highest-quality advisers, committed to the noble cause of helping others fulfil their aspirations.

“Making available the right advice at the right time and in the right places is to strike a blow for social mobility, social cohesion and social justice – a society that encourages people from wherever they start to journey to the destination of their dreams.”

Model turned Chef, Lorraine Pascale is an Ambassador for the service. Speaking from the launch she said:

“After modelling, choosing my next career move was a big decision. I knew I wanted to find something that I was really passionate about, but I tried courses in hypnotherapy, auto repair and interior design before I found the thing that really makes me tick: cooking.

“Having independent careers advice can really help you find the thing you want to do. I’d encourage everyone to make the most of the National Careers Service to find out how to take their career forward, and realise their ambitions.”

Her view was echoed by Record Producer Pete Waterman. He said:

“I know from my own experience that it’s never too late to learn a new skill.

“I learnt to read and write much later in life than many people, but this opened up a whole new world for me.

“It’s one of the reasons why I’m so passionate about helping people to get the skills they need to fulfil their ambitions.”