28 March 2026
Careers guidance a cross-cutting theme in Minister Jacqui Smith discussion
An APPG event with Minister for Skills, Baroness Jacqui Smith explored the Post-16 Education and Skills, with careers guidance emerging as a key theme.
The All-Party Parliamentary Group for Skills, careers and Employment, part funded by the Career Development Policy Group (CDPG) of which the CDI is a member, hosted an event in the Houses of Parliament on Tuesday 3rd March. The event was chaired by Lauren Edwards MP who chairs the APPG and featured a discussion with Minister Baroness Jacqui Smith, with contributions from other parliamentarians and educationalists.
The Minister talked about the urgency of change in the skills system and foundational to the Government's wider ambitions. The UK’s ageing population, quickly changing labour market needs and potential impact of AI are all driving the need for a flexible workforce.
The other speakers and audience contributions were broadly supportive of the Government’s ambition, though there were concerns raised about delivery, resourcing, and co-ordination.
Careers guidance was raised as one of the key themes, with members of the CDPG in attendance. The importance of coherent, lifelong careers guidance was a recurring theme, as the current system is fragmented and poorly funded. Its effectiveness can be limited in schools that don’t provide dedicated funding, leaving careers guidance as a tick-box exercise.
Participants broadly agreed that careers guidance needs to be offered throughout life rather than just at the end of secondary education, as career progression isn’t linear and people ca make sideways and career change moves throughout life.
Participants emphasised the importance of face-to-face and one-to-one guidance, particularly for young people who may not engage effectively with other forms of provision.
Minister Smith highlighted the importance of students being aware of all the opportunities available and suggested the university clearing system could act as a model for apprenticeships and vocational routes. She recognised that post-16 outcomes are often influenced by experiences before 16, underlining the case for earlier and more sustained guidance provision.
The All-Party Parliamentary Group for Skills, careers and Employment, part funded by the Career Development Policy Group (CDPG) of which the CDI is a member, hosted an event in the Houses of Parliament on Tuesday 3rd March. The event was chaired by Lauren Edwards MP who chairs the APPG and featured a discussion with Minister Baroness Jacqui Smith, with contributions from other parliamentarians and educationalists.
The Minister talked about the urgency of change in the skills system and foundational to the Government's wider ambitions. The UK’s ageing population, quickly changing labour market needs and potential impact of AI are all driving the need for a flexible workforce.
The other speakers and audience contributions were broadly supportive of the Government’s ambition, though there were concerns raised about delivery, resourcing, and co-ordination.
Careers guidance was raised as one of the key themes, with members of the CDPG in attendance. The importance of coherent, lifelong careers guidance was a recurring theme, as the current system is fragmented and poorly funded. Its effectiveness can be limited in schools that don’t provide dedicated funding, leaving careers guidance as a tick-box exercise.
Participants broadly agreed that careers guidance needs to be offered throughout life rather than just at the end of secondary education, as career progression isn’t linear and people ca make sideways and career change moves throughout life.
Participants emphasised the importance of face-to-face and one-to-one guidance, particularly for young people who may not engage effectively with other forms of provision.
Minister Smith highlighted the importance of students being aware of all the opportunities available and suggested the university clearing system could act as a model for apprenticeships and vocational routes. She recognised that post-16 outcomes are often influenced by experiences before 16, underlining the case for earlier and more sustained guidance provision.
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