The UKCES is undertaking a project on Information Advice and Guidance (IAG) which aims to develop proposals for the transformation of IAG services by better use of technology. As part of this project, UKCES needs to develop an understanding of the business models that are shaping current practice, together with an understanding of the market in which IAG services are being delivered. UKCES has commissioned research from IER to develop scenarios of future service models, with a particular focus on skills supply and demand within the IAG sector, with special reference to information communications technologies and labour market information.

Project aim: To develop scenarios of future service models, with a particular focus on skills supply and demand within the IAG sector, with special reference to ICT and LMI.

Objectives:

• Build on the findings
• Explore the types of private sector arrangements within a public sector context specifically linked to the new political landscape
• Identify the skill demands of the sector as it moves towards greater integration of ICT in service delivery for LMI
• Review issues related to the supply of relevant skills sets for IAG services designed to provide ‘more for less’

Output:

Bimrose, J., Hughes, D. & Barnes, S-A. (2011) Integrating new technologies into careers practice: Extending the knowledge base. London: UK Commission for Employment and Skills.

A greater integration of new information and communication technologies (ICT) in careers practice on a UK-wide basis is being mediated by changes occurring within public, private and community sectors. This report examines emerging structures for the delivery of services across the public, private and community sectors, together with the impact of ICT integration, especially for workforce development. By so doing, it complements and extends UK Commission for Employment and Skills (the UK Commission) recently published reports that have examined the way in which technology can enhance careers support and the ways that labour market information (LMI) is already used in online. It also builds upon earlier research findings, which examined governments’ role in stimulating, regulating and/or compensating for market failure in careers support services. Through a series of in-depth interviews and consultations with policy-makers, senior executives from industry and commerce, employers and careers practitioners, a complex picture emerges with significant variations and opportunities for integrating ICT more fully into careers policies and practices across the UK.

Project duration: 2010-2011

IER project team:

Jenny Bimrose

Sally-Anne Barnes

IER Associate Fellow:

Deirdre Hughes, DMH Associates

Sponsor:

UK Commission for Employment and Skills