Does the careers service in the UK work?

[AnnMumsnet]

The National Careers Council are reporting to the Government on the current state of the careers service in the UK and they've asked for our help.

It's all very timely because it coincides with Mumsnet's Workfest, sponsored by Barclays on June 15th which is all about helping mums get back into work or start their own business (still a few places left if you're interested )

If you could take a couple of minutes to answer the following questions we'd be ever so grateful.

~ First off did you know there was a National Careers Service for young people adults and have you / your DC ever used it?

~ Are your children getting any careers advice in schools and if so what sort of age has that happened?

~ And what sort of career aspirations do you have for your children?

We'll let you know what the Gov say on June 5th.

Thanks
MNHQ

It sounds as though the career advice given out in schools is as useless as it was 6 - 8 years ago, middle child was told to do 'travel and tourism' as she liked holidaying abroad!! She got three A's at alevel and the youngest was told that as he liked shooting - was in the cadets - and didn't want to sit at a desk in an office then he should be a gamekeeper - yes a good choice because we, as a country, are always in need of more gamekeepers!!! Needless to say I told them both to ignore any other career advice they got unless they asked me about it first! One is now a teacher, the other is going to be on a graduate scheme in a major high street shop!

Olderkids qualified careers advisers are not so directive, and I'd be very surprised if one told your kids they "should do travel and tourism/be a gamekeeper". They have either been selective in what they reported back to you, or the person they saw wasn't a careers adviser.

A suggestion may have been made based on the conversation that took place. In exploring career options, it would be normal practice to ask a young person about their interests outside school, and if someone mentioned that they enjoyed travelling it's not unreasonable to ask if they have considered studying or working in travel and tourism.

The gamekeeper suggestion sounds like something thrown out by one of the computer career matching programs: these programs usually suggest a range of possible careers based on a students' answers to a range of questions. It's a real job and suits some people and as a careers adviser I wouldn't avoid mentioning it just because it's a small industry.

If I sound irritated, it's because I am saddened to see such sweeping judgments applied to careers advice. It is much needed and much appreciated by many young people, and in danger of disappearing without the support of the general public, including parents.

The NAtional career service is complete and utter rubbish. Everytime ive had to see them it has been a complete waste of time. Ive been lied to, questioned about my intelligence, given jobs off INdeed.co.uk when told not to use indeed website.....it is a scam, a total waste of tax payers money. Just do it yourself. Do not give them any chance to help because they do not help.

my big issue this year was that mumsnet were posting incorrect information on their jobs board ie closing date and then blaming it on external third parties. Teflon, no ownership at all.

I am not sure that much "recruitment" advice or boards, especially that aimed at out of work individuals is that good. A lot of talk, and little action (but obviously with some very well paid individuals).

I've just been reading Private Eye issue no 1449 who actually say on page 10 under HP Sauce columns that those who attend NCS are actually worse off than those who don't bother.
Not very good all around there, given the current dire jobs situation - gigeconomy, zero hour contracts, 800,000 neet etc.

I did attend something similar myself and the cv they did ensured that i actually got less interviews than the one i'd had done previously.

I was first in contact with this organisation back in February (2024) about getting back into work. I have been actively looking, still without any success. My initial contact with an advisor back in February seemed promising. I did the online course as agreed (but still fail to see any precise relevance) as well as another course (not mentioned or agreed but was "present" on my online learning account). I also sent my CV (as requested by my advisor) so that he could take a look, help improve it and return it. Since then I have called and written at least twice to chase on the CV and "the line" has gone completely blank and I have had no further contact until recently where I got a generic email asking me how I was getting on with my career plan (which they are supposed to help with ?!?!?!).
I have written to the NCS to express my disappointment (and as a plea for HELP!) But have still heard nothing. I have not had any of the appropriate help as mentioned in their charter. Rubbish service with no intention of really helping people. 0/10 - avoid - a box ticking exercise.