CXK is delighted to announce that it has been successful in securing the new National Careers Service delivery contract for the south-east region; one of 9 contracts to have been awarded across the country. The three year contract with the Education and Skills Funding Agency will run from 1st October 2018.
The National Careers Service provides personalised careers information, advice, and guidance (IAG) services to all adults, via individual and group face-to-face sessions, over the telephone, and through digital and social media platforms. The service places particular emphasis on priority groups who may need more help in developing their career management skills and progressing in work or learning.
This exciting news means that the charity will continue to deliver inspirational careers information and advice to adults in their communities via face-to-face support as well as online, widening its geographical reach to include Kent and Medway, East Sussex, West Berkshire, Slough, Reading, Bracknell Forest, Windsor & Maidenhead, Wokingham, Hampshire, Surrey, Southampton, Portsmouth, West Sussex and Isle of Wight. In the coming year, the National Careers Service expects to support approximately 44,000 adults with their career options across the south-east region.
Pauline Smith, responsible for delivering the National Careers Service in the south-east from 1st October, said: “We are delighted that we have been successful in being awarded the National Careers Service contract. This will ensure we can continue to deliver a high quality service to adults across the south-east. The new contract will enable us to develop the strengths of our current contract whilst also creating innovative, modern and inspirational IAG services for our beneficiaries moving forward. The National Careers Service is entering an exciting period of innovation and growth, which we’re thrilled to be a part of.”
The contract renewal offered an opportunity to review priority groups and geographical areas currently served by the National Careers Service. Revised priority groups and geographical areas were determined following consultation with partners, government, a review of key economic and deprivation indicators, and supported by independent socioeconomic and demographic research.
From October 2018, there are 6 new priority groups: NEETS (Not in Education, Employment or Training), those unemployed for over 12 months, low skilled adults, single parents, those aged 50+ who are unemployed or at risk of unemployment, and adults with special educational needs or who have a disability.
In the coming years, the National Careers Service will continue to develop its services to add value to all initiatives which prepare people for employment. As part of its improved service, website content is being developed and enhanced to enable those who are able to self-serve to access guidance, complete a self-assessment, and/or browse information on over 800 career options.
The National Careers Service provides a range of services designed to help young people and adults to build the skills and confidence they need to move into education, employment or training. For more information click here.
