What the IAG Network does
Skillset is leading the way for its fellow Sector Skills Councils (SSCs) through the SSC IAG Network project, helping to set the standard for providing Information Advice & Guidance (IAG).
This network encourages SSCs to share information, expertise and best practice on IAG. Examples of how Skillset's careers IAG represents best practice include:
- face–to–face careers guidance sessions
- interactive storyboard guides to the media industries
- a comprehensive collection of job profiles for the majority of our industries
Network Project aims
The Network has been set up and developed by Skillset, with support from the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills (DIUS) on behalf of the whole Skills for Business Network (SfBN), with the following aims:
- to support SSCs in the development of their IAG services, in line with the SSC LMI Protocols.The Protocols details the core offer of IAG services available to advice and guidance practitioners, along with the supporting protocols used to ensure quality of service provision.
- to raise awareness of SSC IAG services, and promote increased access and use of the available provisions
- to provide a central network point for co-ordination and communication between SSCs and IAG practitioners
- provisions of co-ordinated feedback to government and its agencies, devolved nations and assemblies on IAG policy and the role of SSCs
- to promote best practice by SSCs in the delivery of IAG and LMI
- project management of SSC delivered IAG and LMI project activity eg the development of LMI provision in preparation for the new Adult Advancement and Careers Service (AACS) in England, which is currently under development.
SSCs use their industry expertise to argue for more comprehensive support for Careers Advisors, and the Network aims to make sure that the advisors have full access to credible LMI. This is so that IAG services can extend their reach to help people of all ages and backgrounds make more effective career decisions.
This vision of basing careers IAG on the hard facts provided by labour market intelligence was conveyed in the SSDA's response to the Leitch Review. You can also read Skillset's response to the Leitch Review.
Early successes of the network
The 25 SSCs that comprise the Skills for Business Network (SfBN) have begun to develop their range of careers products and services in line with the recommendations of the SSC IAG Network Project.
The wide range of industry sectors covered by the SfBN (click here for a full list of SSCs) are now benefiting from:
- sector-specific LMI (see Skillsmart Retail's research section);
- progression routes (Cogent's Careers Pathways are a great resource);
- case studies (e-skills' IT DVD that features real practitioners talking about their jobs).
For further information, please contact Kate O'Connor at kateo@skillset.org
