The Apprenticeships, Skills, Children and Learning Bill

The Apprenticeships, Skills, Children And Learning Bill received its second reading on 23rd February. It includes a clause that would require schools to include apprenticeships as part of the careers education if it is in the best interests of their pupils.

Clause 35 is of particular interest to those involved in CEIAG in schools in England. This clause amends section 43 of the Education Act 1997, which requires a state secondary school in England to provide pupils with a programme of careers education. The effect of the new subsection (2C) inserted into section 43 by this clause is to require the governing body of a secondary school, or its proprietor, and its head teacher, or the local education authority and teacher in charge of a pupil referral unit to ensure that any consideration of what careers advice would be in the best interests of their pupils covers consideration of whether it would be in their best interests to include apprenticeships as part of their careers education. In support of this provision, the Government intends to issue statutory guidance provided for by section 81 of the Education and Skills Act (2008). http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200809/cmbills/055/09055.i-v.html