From today (Tuesday, 6 October), people across England can access free careers advice through the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) under the Government, as the full range of support previously offered by the National Careers Service becomes available at Jobcentres. The change aims to create a more joined-up service for people at every stage of their career.
500 careers advisers join the DWP
Around 500 qualified careers advisers have joined the DWP, it has been confirmed. They will provide expert careers information, advice, and guidance alongside the existing employment and skills support that are already available through Jobcentres.
Support will be available to everyone, regardless of whether they claim benefits, and can be accessed online, over the phone, or through face-to-face appointments at Jobcentres. This change provides a single place for people to access the advice and support they need to take the next step in their career or work.
Government's wider employment plans
The latest announcement comes as the Government continues to develop a Jobs and Careers Service to deliver a more modern and personalised employment service. A £2.5 billion of youth employment support, creating almost a million opportunities to earn and learn, was also announced recently.
Andy Burnham's government also plans to allocate £3.5 billion of investment in employment support for disabled people and those with long-term health conditions.
Minister welcomes the change
Minister for Employment Andrew Western said: "Everyone deserves the chance to find secure, meaningful work and build a career – and we are delivering a modern employment service to make that a reality."
"Bringing careers advice under the same roof as the jobcentre will join up fragmented services and enable thousands of people to access joined-up careers advice and employment support," he added. "This builds on the wider employment support we are already providing young people as well as disabled people and those with long-term health conditions to ensure everyone has the chance to get on life."
Support can be accessed online via the Get Careers Information and Advice page, as well as through the freephone service on 0800 072 0288. Face-to-face appointments will then be available at Jobcentres up and down the country later this month.
