Date: Tuesday 3 June 2014

UNISON welcomes call for early careers advice for Scotland’s young people

UNISON response to Commission for Developing Scotland’s Young Workforce Final Report

UNISON, the union representing careers advisers, has welcomed the Wood Commission’s call for earlier careers advice for Scotland’s young people.

The union has long-campaigned for careers advice to be provided to school students long before S4. It also has to be delivered by qualified careers advisers who can provide the face-to-face support that is vital for pupils.

Derek Cheyne, Branch Secretary of UNISON’s Skills Development Scotland branch, said:

“This report highlights what we as careers professionals have been saying for a long time. Young people need to be provided with the best possible information and advice from the outset, with continued support throughout their high school years.

“Young people face the worst jobs crisis in recent times and we must do all we can to enable them to reach their full potential and move into rewarding careers.”

ENDS

Notes to editors

1. You can view the full report – Commission for Developing Scotland’s Young Workforce – at http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/0045/00451746.pdf
   
   
2. UNISON has been critical of over-reliance on the role of My World of Work web-based service as opposed to crucial face-to-face support. Although a website can provide information to those who can access it, it cannot provide the kind of support and guidance that most people require. Young people in particular need to be supported to have a realistic view of their competencies and aspirations to ensure they make the right choice and this requires face-to-face interactions with fully-qualified careers professionals.

For more information contact:

• Derek Cheyne, Branch Secretary of UNISON’s Skills Development Scotland branch, on 0141 331 4451
• Gerry Crawley, UNISON’s Regional Organiser, on 07958 121 805

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