Information Services
“Information”,
within the context of the Nextstep programme, means the provision of
information on learning and work, without any discussion about the relative merits
of the options through:
- printed
materials such as leaflets;
- audio-visual
materials such as videos;
- computer
software on CD-ROM or via the internet; and
- verbal
information to the client on a face-to-face basis or through local or
national help-line services such as learndirect and Worktrain.
Core
Information Services
The
core information services should consist of:
A.
Information about access to opportunities. This
should include information on:
- learning
and work opportunities, including opportunities in Further Education,
Higher Education, Adult and Community Learning, learndirect, other local
learning providers; work placements; national and local job vacancies;
voluntary opportunities; opportunities in self employment;
- learner
incentives and entitlements (including the new Level 2 Entitlement proposed
in the Skills Strategy and the new Adult Learner Grant, as they are rolled
out nationally), including sources of financial support;
- local
and regional work taster, work shadow and work experience possibilities;
- where
to find local vacancy information including through Worktrain and Jobcentre
Plus;
- self
access database information (for example Occupations, Worktrain, learndirect)
on jobs, training, qualifications;
- qualifications
and equivalence in UK of qualifications gained overseas; and
- disability
and employment issues – including where to get further support.
B.
Supporting information on:
- national
and local labour market information and intelligence. This should be
in a format which is accessible to the user and provides the most up-to-date
and accurate information on the labour market at national, regional and
local level including local employer information and trends; and
- career,
occupational, sector profiles.
C.
Enabling information on:
- how
to apply for a job (letters, internet, cold calling, phone calls), including
filling in applications, CV completion, interview techniques and typical
sector specific interview questions;
- aptitude
profiles; and
- learning
and career planning or management tools.
D.
Signposting information on:
- what
is and what is not available from the local LSC funded skills and training
programmes;
- the
Children’s Information Service, Surestart and how to access them;
- local,
regional and national transport availability;
- benefits
issues;
- how
to access free services for learning and work including learndirect and,
where appropriate, Jobcentre Plus;
- the
Disability Discrimination Act and other relevant legislation; and
- availability
of specialist support for clients around learning support, basic skills,
disability.
