About |
About Prospects:
Prospects is one of the United Kingdom's leading providers of education, training and guidance services. With nearly 1,200 staff in over 60 locations around the country, we provide a wide range of services to government departments, local authorities, schools and colleges, employers and others.
Our personal advisers provide information; advice and guidance to thousands of young people aged 14 to 19 (up to the age of 25 for those with learning difficulties or disabilities) in over 20 local authority areas, from designated centres and in schools and colleges. We also organise an extensive range of jobs fairs and skills events across the UK.
In support of young people, Prospects has developed a highly successful range of careers publications, software and web-based guidance tools. In addition, our education consultancy and school improvement services include the Leading Parent Partnership Award, which is recognised by the DCSF.
Prospects also offers advice, information and guidance services for adults to help them into work and training, working with Job Centre Plus, employers and other agencies.
Adult Services and Nextstep:
Prospects holds the prime contract to manage and deliver the Careers Information and Advice Service – currently branded as nextstep – across Greater London. In addition it is a board member of Careers Yorkshire and the Humber, which operates the nextstep contract in that region. On behalf of the Department of Work and Pensions and the European Social Fund, the group also delivers adult projects in the South West of England, Sheffield and Birmingham.
From the 1st August 2009, Prospects extended its provision of careers information and advice services for adults in custody to all prisons in London. Learning and Skills services in prisons are delivered by Prospects on behalf of the Offender Learning and Skills Service (OLASS), with DCSF, DIUS, DWP and the Ministry of Justice being the key stakeholders.
About Connexions:
Connexions is an information, advice and guidance (IAG) service for all 14 to 19-year-olds – and young people with learning difficulties or disabilities up to the age of 25 – living in England. Available nationally, it is managed locally and is a gateway to expert advice and help in any area of teenage life where support is needed.
Connexions is designed to help all young people – free of charge – and consultations are confidential. A qualified personal adviser will:
• Provide up-to-date information about careers, jobs, education courses, volunteering and training opportunities and help plan for the future.
• Help young people compile CVs and develop interview skills for courses and jobs, encouraging them to make the transition from learning to the world of work.
• Give confidential support and practical help with issues like health, housing, bullying, money worries, discrimination or trouble at school, home or work.
• Advise on funding for education and on benefits.
• Refer young people to other support agencies.
• Work with young people with Statements of Educational Needs in mainstream secondary schools. In addition, dedicated Special Needs Personal Advisers operate in schools for young people with physical and moderate to severe learning difficulties.