A Market in Career Provision? Learning from Experiences on the East Coast of America

In England major transformations are taking place in vocational education and training (VET) and labour market opportunities for adults. Linked to these transformations, a new national policy framework has been developed for the delivery of information, advice and guidance (IAG) services3. In the Minister’s foreword to this policy document, the contribution made by the private sector is recognised and welcomed. The foreword states that: ‘The Government’s efforts to invest in public funds should focus on those who need the most help, and who are least able to pay for it.’ This suggests that for other individuals the market is viewed in policy terms as having an important role to play. Therefore, attention needs to be focused on the question of whether a market-led approach to career guidance is likely to develop which will expand and improve provision in order to support the achievement of the UK Government’s lifelong learning agenda