Why Career Guidance Still Isn’t a Priority - Despite All the Government Talk

Every term, we hear renewed promises about improving careers education. Government publications continue to emphasise the importance of preparing young people for priority occupations, future skills needs, and the changing labour market. Recent policy papers highlight the need for high-quality post-16 pathways and personal guidance as part of a world-class skills system.

And yet, on the ground, the reality feels very different.

The gap between policy and practice is widening

Despite the rhetoric, careers guidance is still not being given the priority, or the investment it desperately needs. Schools are under pressure, budgets are tight, and careers teams are often the first to feel the squeeze.

In the past few months alone, I’ve seen roles advertised that expect careers leaders to:

• Run whole-school careers programmes
• Deliver personal guidance
• Manage employer engagement
• Coordinate work experience
• Oversee Gatsby Benchmark compliance
• Track destinations
• Deliver assemblies
• Support curriculum careers integration
• Manage external providers

All for salaries that are frankly insulting given the level of responsibility!!

These are roles that require expertise, safeguarding awareness, labour market knowledge, strategic planning, and direct student support, yet they’re often paid less than administrative posts. It’s no wonder schools struggle to recruit and retain skilled careers professionals.

Meanwhile, demand for guidance is increasing

Government analysis shows that priority sectors such as digital technologies, construction, engineering, and health and social care will need 1.8 million more workers by 2035 . Young people need high-quality guidance more than ever, especially those facing barriers, those with SEND, and those navigating complex post-16 choices.

But without proper investment, schools simply cannot deliver what the government says is essential.

The human impact is real.

This term alone, our team has worked with hundreds of students across multiple schools, including SEND learners in Hampshire, Oxfordshire and Northamptonshire who require tailored, specialist support. The need is huge. The impact is clear. And yet careers guidance is still treated as an optional extra rather than a core part of education.

We see the consequences every day:

• Students unsure of their next steps
• Parents overwhelmed by choices
• Teachers stretched thin
• Careers leaders trying to do the work of three people!

Careers guidance deserves better

If the government truly wants to build a skilled workforce, reduce skills shortages, and support young people into meaningful futures, careers guidance must be funded and staffed properly. Not just talked about in policy papers, but prioritised in practice.

That means:

• Realistic salaries
• Protected time
• Specialist staff
• Genuine recognition of the expertise required

Our commitment

At Franklin Hammond Career Navigators, we continue to deliver high-quality, student-centred guidance across schools and communities, even when the system makes it difficult. We’ve expanded into new schools, grown our team, and strengthened our SEND offer because young people deserve nothing less.

But the sector cannot rely on goodwill and passion alone. It needs investment, respect, and long-term commitment.

If your school wants to strengthen its careers provision

We can help, whether through personal guidance, Gatsby Benchmark support, SEND careers work, or whole-school careers strategy.

Get in touch to discuss how we can support your students and strengthen your careers programme.