FUTURE TALENTED Spring Term 2019 - Issue 2 | Page 7

FROM THE CEO Collaborating for careers excellence JIM CARRICK-BIRTWELL CEO, FUTURE TALENT LIVE ince the launch of the government’s ambitious careers strategy in December 2017, schools and colleges in England have been striving to achieve the eight Gatsby Benchmarks, which define best practice in careers provision. As an extra spur, Ofsted is charged with “commenting in college inspection reports on the careers guidance provided to young people” from January this year. S Progress has been tangible, according to the Careers and Enterprise Company (see page 12). Its November update report, based on findings collected via its Compass audit tool, revealed that schools and colleges have shown improvement on every dimension of careers support, with those serving disadvantaged communities performing particularly well. However, only 21 are currently achieving all eight benchmarks and it is clear that educators cannot achieve careers excellence in isolation; “employers are integral to great careers guidance” , as the careers strategy states. The good news here is that “businesses are crying out to get into schools”, according to education consultant Jane Delfino MBE (see page 23). The trick is simply to forge partnerships, build trust and nurture relationships. “educators cannot achieve careers excellence in isolation; Employers are integraL” To help schools achieve this, we are enhancing our website, creating a portal where careers leaders can exchange ideas, find practical resources and arrange virtual encounters with employers. We will also be hosting regional roadshows around the UK for both schools and employers to attend, and producing videos of careers journeys for use in lessons, helping to link the curriculum to careers. Ultimately, we are committed to supporting collaboration between employers and schools to provide the best possible careers support for young people. To ensure you keep up to date with our resources and events, please subscribe for free at futuretalentlive.com/register Jim Carrick-Birtwell, CEO, Future Talent LIVE Email: [email protected] FUTURE TALENT DIGITAL MAGAZINE Future Talent is also available in a digital format, so you can read it on the go and share issues with peers, parents and students. futuretalentlive.com/register FUTURE TALENT LIVE WEBSITE Visit our website, featuring a wealth of careers-related content, plus practical tools and resources for schools. futuretalentlive.com