Connexions Manchester

Why is one required?

• The Quality Standards for Young People's Information, Advice and Guidance, (IAG) 2007 places a requirement on all IAG providers (this includes ALL learning providers) to ensure that Young people have the information they need to make well-informed and realistic decisions about learning and careers.
• The Statutory Guidance: Impartial Careers Education 2010 requires schools to ensure that pupils have access to up to date careers information materials that present pupils with a full range of options in respect of 16-18 education or training.

The Connexions/Careers library or Resource Centre is an ideal vehicle to provide this information.

What does it cover?

A range of current*, unbiased and accurate information in a variety of formats, aimed at different ages and abilities, that promotes equal opportunities, on:

GHousingneral information:

Occupational Information:

 Opportunity Information:

• FE prospectuses (all local FE colleges)
• HE prospectuses can be ordered centrally from eurorscgheist
• Training information (Apprenticeship information; information from training providers)
• Apprenticeships and other vacancies for school and college leavers cnx2jobs and National Apprenticeships Service.

*Materials should be current – normally not more than 2-3 years old, although prospectuses, software etc should be the current edition and, occasionally (eg books on job search), older materials may be acceptable.

Use an appropriate classification system: the Connexions Resource Centre Index (CRCI User Guide) is available to download from CEGNET.

Suitable furniture (eg shelves at a height appropriate for all users; tables, chairs, browsing area, notice board, wall space for CRCI posters etc) should be used.

Easy access to careers software and suitable websites should be available throughout the school/college, including adjacent to printed materials.

Where?

The Connexions/careers library should be in an area of the school or college open to all students – the school library/Learning Resource Centre is ideal, particularly as it is likely to be open and staffed more frequently than other areas.

It should be easily accessible (students, especially in school, often have limited time), and well publicised.

When?

Careers Education is statutory at keystages 3 and 4, so access to Connexions/careers resources should be from year 7 onwards. Consider

• How to induct students – when should this (and refresher sessions) take place, what form should it take, who will do it?
• Providing guidelines on how to use the resources.

Access should be as often as possible – eg before/after lessons, breaks, lunchtimes etc.

Who?

Involve appropriate people in running the Connexions/careers resource – eg librarian, student library assistants, admin staff etc.

Involve your Personal Adviser – eg through the Partnership Agreement.

Publicise the Connexions/careers library to staff, students, parents etc.

How?

Don’t forget that help and advice personalised to your own situation is available from Better Choices’ Information Team. This includes training for relevant staff or students on

• Running the Connexions/careers library
• Using of careers guidance programs
• Provision of CRCI box labels and a range of signage available on a cost-recovery basis.

For further information contact the Information Team: