Careers service overhaul urged

The Government should be concerned about weaknesses in the careers services of higher education institutions, according to a report to be published next week.

While further education students and school pupils enjoy an entitlement to access to a dual system of careers advice, provided by institutions and the national careers service, higher education students have no such entitle-ment.

The report, produced by the National Institute for Careers Education and Counselling and commissioned by the Association of Graduate Careers Advisory Services, says such a system may no longer be acceptable in a sector that is expected to become more consumer-driven, with students contributing more to the cost of higher education.

It calls for higher education careers services to be restructured to provide some guidance independently of that offered by institutions.

Alternatively funding incentives might be introduced to boost the existing service.

David Blunkett, secretary of state for education and employment announced this week that the Government is to provide an extra Pounds 5.5 million to boost the schools and further education careers service.

Mr Blunkett told the Careers Service National Association's annual meeting he was particularly concerned about the fifth of A-level and GNVQ students who fail to complete their courses.

Opinion, page 10