Government minister Nick Boles has used careers advice provided through the Bath Education Trust as an example of the way forward for other schools and colleges.
The government’s Minister of State for Skills and Equalities was speaking in the House of Lords to the Select Committee on Social Mobility.
Appointed in June, the committee is considering how social mobility affects the transition from school to work for 14 to 24-year-olds.
During the session, Mr Boles mentioned careers advisers at Bath College, who visit all schools signed up to the Bath Education Trust (BET) to give students impartial information and guidance.
Speaking about careers advice, Mr Boles said “one of the most interesting models” available is the Bath Education Trust, which is run with “the active and willing participation of” schools and educational providers in Bath.
He said: “What we should be encouraging is different LEPs, different combined authorities to come forward and be more proactive.”
The BET Futures Careers Service is operating in Beechen Cliff School, Hayesfield School, Oldfield School and Ralph Allen School.
Louise Croft, head of the BET Future Careers Service, said: “It is good to hear ministers talking about the work we do with our BET partners.
“It is important that all young people have access to impartial advice about all of their options post 16 and post 18.
“Our work with the BET schools facilitates this.”
Mr Boles spoke alongside education secretary Nicky Morgan at the final evidence gathering session held by the Select Committee on Social Mobility.
He was asked about funding for further education, career pathways for young people who do not study for A-levels and the new apprenticeship levy.
The minister also talked about a local enterprise adviser network, through the new Careers and Enterprise Company.
This aims to recruit volunteer enterprise advisers from large and small companies to offer schools and colleges an insight into business.
The committee will report on its findings by 23rd March next year.
