Young people’s experiences of Personal Advisors and the Connexions service

Purpose – The paper explores young people’s experiences of having access to Personal Advisors, from Connexions, a support and guidance service. Design/methodology/approach – Semi-structured interviews were conducted, in two phases, with young people in a large new town. Thematic analysis highlighted significant issues and suggested factors that might differentiate between those in employment, education and training and those not in this position. Findings –Young people’s relationship with their Connexions Personal Advisor emerged as a significant factor in mediating the extent to which they used the service as a ‘portal’ to opportunities and resources. For some young people faced with complex and challenging circumstances the relationship with their personal advisor provided a uniquely stable and valued source of support