Careers programme for pupils in disadvantaged areas

The government has launched a new careers programme, which will be rolled out across 55 disadvantaged areas of the country where school outcomes are the weakest.

It is part of a government drive to make sure all young people get high quality advice to make informed choices on the skills needed for a successful career.

The programme will bring learning alive and inspire pupils about the world of work. It will also provide opportunities for pupils to meet employers and role models from a range of industries, helping to raise aspirations and link their learning to future skills, jobs and careers.

From 1 January, a change in the law that will see all year 8- 13 pupils have at least six opportunities to meet a range of providers of technical education. By hearing directly from training providers, pupils will get to understand the full range of opportunities available to them, including apprenticeships, T Levels and Higher Technical Qualifications, not just a traditional academic route.

This builds on the requirement that every secondary school should offer their pupils at least one experience of a workplace by age 16 and a further work experience by age 18, giving them the opportunity to get a sense of the skills that are valued in the workplace to forge a great career.
 
The primary school scheme will be rolled out across 55 disadvantaged areas of the country where school outcomes are the weakest. It will support more than 600,000 pupils in over 2,200 primary schools, giving them the kick start they need to boost their ambitions, and is backed by £2.6 million.

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