United Kingdom Country Paper.

The Department of Education and Employment is responsible for the system of education and training in England, including careers information, education, and guidance. After the age of 16, when education is no longer compulsory, young people have a variety of choices. Training is available from private and public sector providers. Career information for young people is discharged through 66 local career services, which are organizationally independent of the education system. Guidance for adults is provided on a local level by a variety of organizations. Some employers provide advisory services, and private providers meet the needs of fee-paying clients. The main current policy issues related to career development services in England fall under the following topics: structures; quality assurance; funding; social exclusion; staff training, development, and qualifications; technology; data; and branding. The key issues which may affect public policy on career development in the future concern: trends in the labor market and how they may increase demand for career development; increase in the labor market of women, minorities, and people with disabilities; increased international mobility of labor; more accessible technology leading to more electronic interactions; and changes in public expenditure for services. (JDM)