Connexions is the Government's new information, advice and guidance service for 13-19 year olds.
It will enhance a range of services, including modernising the way that young people get careers advice. Young people will be able to get the help and support they need to make an effective transition to work and adult life.
Its key objective is to encourage more young people to stay in education or training, so that an increasing number have the qualifications they need for further education, higher education or the world of work.
All young people will have access to Connexions, whether they are at school, in further or higher education, in or out of work. There will be a special emphasis on those young people who feel excluded and find it difficult to use the usual sources of advice.
The fundamental resource of the Connexions Service is a network of Personal Advisers (PAs), but more about them elsewhere in this newsletter. They will operate out of a developing network of 'one-stop' and 'first stop' shops, again more about those can be found in this newsletter.
The Connexions Service is based on eight key principles:
- Raising aspirations
- Meeting individual need and overcoming barriers to learning
- Taking account of the views of young people
- Keeping young people in mainstream education and training
- Partnership
- Community involvement
- Extending opportunity and equality of opportunity
- Evidence based practice
The partnership will provide a universal Connexions Service, accessible to all young people 13-19 and which provides services differentiated to meet individual need. Existing services will have to break down barriers both between themselves and with young people. Service providers will have to talk together and work together to provide a holistic service.
