WIREDGOV

Careers Wales has become a wholly owned subsidiary of the Welsh Government, Deputy Minister for Skills and Technology, Jeff Cuthbert, has announced.

The transfer of Careers Wales into public ownership marks the beginning of a more joined-up, refreshed and revitalised service designed to deliver a personalised approach to careers information advice and guidance.

In 2010, the Welsh Government announced its intention for Careers Wales to become a single body, and after consideration of options confirmed in 2012 that the new body would be a wholly owned subsidiary of the Welsh Government.

All adults and young people will continue to have access to high quality services both online and on the telephone. Face-to-face guidance will be targeted toward those groups who will benefit most from this approach.

Developing the online offer is seen as a key priority, reflecting changes in how people of all ages choose to access information services,.

The refreshed CareersWales.com service offers people of all ages high quality, impartial information on job requirements as well as real-time information on the labour market, training courses and jobs. Webchat and email services will help connect with clients in ways that make sense to them, using the clients’ preferred method of communication.

The new website will also offer learners enhanced information about typical progression pathways to further learning or employment through a 14-19 option choices menu.

Other Welsh Government services, such as the National Work Experience Database for assisting schools in placing pupils, the Apprentice Matching Service and adverts and online applications for Jobs Growth Wales opportunities are also brought together within the revised and updated website.

In addition to the existing telephone helpline (0800 100 900), an enhanced free telephone service “Careers Wales Connect” will be launched next month.  

The new 0800 028 4844 number will be available to anyone that wants to seek help and support from 7 May.

Careers Wales will continue to develop the range of services available through the CareersWales.com website over the course of the coming year.

Careers Wales will also have a key role in advising on options for Work Based Learning and apprenticeship opportunities to young people as an alternative to further or higher education.  

In a statement yesterday, the Deputy Minister said:

"Careers Wales now enters into a closer relationship with the Welsh Government, helping us to drive forward our priorities and aspirations for the service. Change was required and change has been delivered in a strong working partnership between the Welsh Government and Careers Wales.

"The refreshed and revitalised Careers Wales will simplify and integrate careers support, combining high quality universal services via online and telephone based routes, with more focused engagement, including face-to-face guidance sessions aimed at those who need them.

"The future success of the service will be judged on outcomes – including its contribution to increasing the number of young people engaged in education, employment or training. I also expect Careers Wales to prioritise services on key groups who I believe will benefit from enhanced support.

"I firmly believe we now have the solid and sustainable foundations upon which we can take forward the continued delivery of a well respected and valued all-age and impartial careers information, advice and guidance services in Wales."