Member News
The government has launched a new advice service for education leavers and their parents.
The move came as research revealed that almost half of young people turn to their parents for guidance on their future.
A joint initiative from the Department for Work and Pensions, the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills and the Department for Children, Schools and Families, the scheme aims to provide options for young people who are finishing education.
Found on the government's website, Directgov, the guidance includes CV and interview preparation, information about work experience and internships as well as vocational training options.
The website was launched after research found that nine out of ten parents are concerned about giving their children the right advice about their future.
And the poll discovered that one in four parents say they do not have knowledge about the full range of options available for their child.
Maxine McKenzie, head of citizen communications at Directgov, explained: "By having accurate and up-to-date information on all of the different options available to education leavers at every stage from GCSE, A-level and graduates, we hope to help people know about all of the different routes our there so they can choose the path they want to."
The online service was launched on the same day that research from independent student guide publisher Push.co.uk found that students starting university courses next month will graduate with record debts of £23,000.
The survey also found that students who began their studies last autumn clocked up on average £6,626 in debt during the year.
Dods Parliamentary Communications Ltd