Question to the Department for Education:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what progress they have made on the Careers Strategy pilot scheme for routes into careers for vulnerable groups.

To target more support on those who need it most, the government has invested £5 million during 2018 in a new round of the Careers & Enterprise Company’s funding. This will help disadvantaged pupils to receive the additional support that they need to prepare for work, including opportunities for mentoring and personal guidance from a qualified careers professional. We have also established 20 Careers Hubs focused on groups of young people and areas most in need of targeted support and we have announced a further 20 Careers Hubs for 2019.

The government is also providing funding of £1.7 million to test new approaches and produce resources to improve careers information, advice and guidance for individuals who are disadvantaged or vulnerable. We want to broaden aspirations and raise awareness of pathways into training and work for young people with special educational needs and disabilities; looked after children and care leavers; and young people from Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities. Organisations have been recruited and work with these groups will start in January 2019.