Today our blog looks at new announcements on careers hubs and T Levels to help young people in their future careers, as well as a BBC report on care settings.
Careers Hubs
Today, Monday 20 May, we have announced a second wave of Career Hubs – which are networks of up to 40 schools across the country designed to improve careers advice and education. The latest wave is backed by £2.5 million in funding.
To promote the launch of this second wave, the Education Secretary Damian Hinds appeared on Sky News.
Damian Hinds, Secretary of State for Education, said:
It is so important that young people get to see and know about a range of different jobs and careers so they can see the possible opportunities out there. Good careers education is such a valuable asset that helps children to explore future possibilities and go on to lead happy rewarding lives.
Careers Hubs bring together schools, colleges, universities and employers to share their expertise and improve the careers education on offer to make sure young people have the information they need to make the most of their talents.
Today’s investment will give thousands more young people access to expert careers guidance as they take those first exciting steps into their future.
T Levels
Yesterday, Sunday 19 May, the Education Secretary, Damian Hinds announced a new package of support for employers and providers to deliver high-quality T Level industry placements.
To mark this announcement, the Education Secretary gave an interview to the Sun focusing how the new guidance will support employers and providers to offered tailored work placements for young people.
Education Secretary Damian Hinds said:
The completion of a high-quality industry placement will be at the heart of every T Level and is part of what will set these new courses apart from every attempt to reform technical and vocational education in the past 70 years.
To make a success of T Levels, we need businesses working in partnership with us and colleges. Industry placements will help young people build the confidence and skills they need to get a head start in their careers and they’ll help business maximise their talent pipeline for the future.
This new package of support is designed to help ensure we can deliver high-quality placements for every T Level student from 2020.
Care Services
Today, BBC News reported on an investigation they conducted into unregulated care homes. The report claims that the number of over 16s living in supported or semi-supported accommodations has increased.
We know that children in care are some of the most vulnerable in society. We are clear that when local authorities places a child in ‘other accommodation’, they must ensure that it is suitable to meet the child’s needs.
The report was featured across BBC broadcast coverage as well as being covered by BBC Online.
Children and Families Minister Nadhim Zahawi said:
Children in care or those leaving care, including older children aged 16 and 17, deserve stability in their lives, including good quality accommodation.
Semi-independent living can act as a stepping-stone for young people about to come out of care to help them prepare for the challenges of living as an independent adult.
Local authorities are required to make sure that children in care and care leavers are given suitable accommodation to meet their needs, including that they are safe and secure which is why I recently wrote to all Directors of Children’s Services to remind them of this obligation.
Follow us on Twitter and don't forget to sign up for email alerts.