About Careers Hub
The Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Careers Hub is the strategic arm of the Department for Education (DfE) responsible for improving the careers provision in schools and colleges for all young people to find their ‘best next step’.
Our role is to support the education system to connect into the world of work and build an intelligence led, inspirational careers provision that views school improvement through the lens of careers and builds a talent pipeline for business recruitment.
Every young person deserves the best possible start to their working life; to choose their path, fulfil their potential and contribute to a thriving economy.
By listening to business needs, factoring in local and DfE priorities, and working closely with Senior Leadership in schools, we make careers meaningful and impactful to young people, allowing them to learn and develop the skills direct from employers that allow them to get, keep and progress within the workplace. Careers Education informs their education and training choices to allow them to prepare for the fast-changing world of work.
This coordinated approach leads to improved transition and retention rates post-16, a reduction in NEET rates and ultimately in unemployment rates. It is the best way to close local, regional and national skills gaps, and is a key element for economic development both short and long term.
Priority 1: Raise the quality of careers provision in schools and colleges through system change through training for the education workforce, targeted support and quality assurance
Priority 2: Provide more high-quality experiences with employers for students and teachers – with a focus on current areas of need
Priority 3: Amplify apprenticeships, technical and vocational routes – including by supporting the implementation of the Provider Access Legislation (PAL)
Priority 4: Target interventions for economically disadvantaged young people – Free School Meals (FSM) and those who face additional barriers
Priority 5: Connect careers provision in schools and colleges to the needs of local economies (as articulated through Local Skills Improvement Plans (LSIPs))
