Professional capacity for 14–19 career guidance in England: some baseline data

This paper reports some early findings from a research project about the impact on career guidance in England of 14–19 reforms in recent years. We begin by highlighting a paradox in English national policy, since reforms in education and training have created a heightened demand for career guidance, whilst reforms in youth support services have disrupted its infrastructure and reduced its funding. While previous authors have warned of the risks inherent in this policy, we present evidence of some of its actual outcomes on professional capacity for 14–19 career guidance, and consider some of the implications for future provision. We conclude in particular that there is a need for more rigorous baseline data about specialist professional capacity, to be monitored nationally and locally; and that greater clarity is needed about appropriate training and qualifications for professional career guidance practitioners.