MP's blast over lack of careers strategy

The Shadow Apprenticeships Minister, a Dods Labour Party Conference Apprenticeship event.

He called on the Government to deliver a funded all ages all stages careers service.

He said: “We have consistently pushed the Government on this for the past few years, and despite plenty of warm words, a careers strategy is yet to appear.

"Anne Milton, the new Skills Minister was specifically pressed on this at the Apprenticeship APPG in the summer, but this strategy has still not appeared.

“From conversations I have had with businesses and young people across Blackpool, it is clear that situation is still in a dire state.

"The most recent Industry Apprentice Council Report for 2017 showed that the number of young people being encouraged to do an apprenticeship at school or college has actually decreased this year (down to just 21% from 24% in 2016).

"It also stated that careers advice in schools is still nowhere near good enough, with only 22% of survey respondents rating theirs as good or very good.

“Alongside the long-awaited careers strategy there needs to be a way in which we can improve the situation in schools and colleges rapidly.

"It is vital that young people in Blackpool get proper guidance from an early age so they know the vast range of options available to them.”