Benchmark 2
Learning from career and labour market information
Every pupil and their parents should have access to good quality information about future study options and labour market opportunities. They will need the support of an informed adviser to make best use of available information.
What does good look like?
- By the age of 14, all pupils should have accessed and used information about all career paths and the labour market to inform their own decisions on study options.
- During their study programme all students should access and use information about all career paths and the labour market to inform their own decisions about study options.
- Parents should be encouraged to access and use information about labour markets and future study options to inform their support to their children.
Why does this matter?
- Access to up-to-date career and labour market information is important for social mobility. Information about pathways, opportunities, growth areas and alumni’s successful transitions helps to connect students to a positive future.
- Providing detailed information about all pathways, relevant courses, opportunities, labour market understanding and supporting students to make useful networks strengthens students’ capacity to make informed decision and positive transitions.
What is career and labour market information?
Labour Market Information (LMI) is information about what is happening in the job market at a national, regional and local level. LMI tends to focus on the industries that are growing and declining, the types and levels of jobs on the increase, skill requirements and qualification levels, for example.
LMI is also information gained via case studies, word of mouth and interviews, networking, etc. It could be information about pathways, opportunities, growth areas and alumni’s successful transitions helps to connect students to a positive future.
Why is labour market information provided?
It is vital that students are supported, especially during key transition stages, to understand the changing labour market in order to be able to shape their future plans. Both students and their parents/carers should feel confident that they are equipped with the information needed to make informed decisions and positive choices by being aware of new opportunities, changes in the labour market and an ability to dispel myths and address assumptions.
What does this mean in practice?
>> Students are taught how to find and process information from year 7 onwards. They use objective information about the local and national labour market to make decisions that improve their careers and transitions into work.
>> Students have access to accurate and up-to-date information, which plays a key role in raising aspirations and promoting social mobility. This information challenges stereotypes with regional and national LMI and support from West London businesses.
>> Appropriately trained staff are on hand to offer students practical help with researching opportunities and using the resources. The staff should provide personal advice and guidance to pupils, particularly to students with intensive information needs.
>> Schools should arrange for students to gain information first-hand through encounters with employers and experiences of workplaces. Staff organise follow-up activities in the classroom to help students to personalise and maximise the benefits of these encounters.
>> Information is adapted to meet the needs of different learners. Special schools, for example, make good use of Makaton signs and symbols to support understanding of careers and employability for students with severe learning and communication difficulties.
>> The careers information area is attractive, highly visible and contains carefully selected resources that meet the needs of different groups. The area should be properly maintained, well-used and include a mix of printed information, online resources and in-house information to help students understand the range of different opportunities.
How is Labour Market information provided?
Prioritising working with West London Careers Hub (WLCH) and Enterprise Adviser/or Enterprise Coordinators to ensure accuracy and currency of labour market information is essential. Careers Advisers must keep their knowledge and skills up-to-date and utilize a variety of resources to motivate students and be able to meet their needs