Celebrity chef joins skills minister at the launch of the new National Careers Service
Posted on | April 25, 2012 | View Comments
Skills minister John Hayes launched the new National Careers Services from the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) with TV cook Lorraine Pascale and record producer, Pete Waterman. Speaking at the launch event, he said: “The National Careers Service, universally available to people at all stages of their careers, has the very best interactive tools on its website and the highest-quality advisers, committed to the noble cause of helping others fulfil their aspirations.
“Making available the right advice at the right time and in the right places is to strike a blow for social mobility, social cohesion and social justice – a society that encourages people from wherever they start to journey to the destination of their dreams.” Read more
Ten universities fly the flag for Britain in world reputation rankings
Posted on | April 24, 2012 | View Comments
Oxford and Cambridge score favourably in the latest reputation rankings, a spin off from the annual Times Higher Education World University Rankings, published each autumn.
Cambridge is in third place, just behind Harvard University (one) and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (two), but just ahead of Oxford (sixth). For other world class British institutions the news is not so good. Imperial College London, drops two places (13) and University College London also falls two places, slipping out of the world top 20. The University of Edinburgh falls four places (49),while the University of Bristol crashes out of the 81-90 band to join the 91-100 group. Read more
Further education providers urge Ofsted to scrutinise careers advice
Posted on | April 20, 2012 | View Comments
Ofsted must check that schools are offering impartial careers advice during inspections, apprenticeship providers have warned.
From September, schools will have a legal duty to "secure access to independent and impartial" careers guidance for pupils under the Education Act 2011.
The Association of Employment and Learning Providers (AELP) has asked the inspectorate to check that secondary schools are providing independent advice on the further education and training options available to students after their GCSEs.
The call comes after further education minister John Hayes said schools will be expected to use external careers advice providers. Read more
National Careers Service Launched!
Posted on | April 20, 2012 | View Comments
At the beginning of April 2012 the National Careers Service was launched with full ministerial backing and is being supported by high-profile events all over the country and a nationwide radio advertising campaign. All of this activity is aimed at raising public awareness of a new service which will transform careers advice and provides details of how and where people can access it.
Everyone can use the National Careers Service
The National Careers Service is available to all adults and young people (aged 13 and over) across England. It is a service that can be used by people who are looking for careers advice or seeking guidance on work and learning options available to them. Everyone can access the service via the website by searching for the National Careers Service online to get help via the website or through webchat. The service can also be accessed by calling 0800 100 900; lines are open every day from 8am until 10pm. Read more
The time of their lives!
Posted on | April 20, 2012 | View Comments
Know any 16-year-olds who are eager to make a difference to their local community while having heaps of fun? Then tell them about the National Citizen Service (NCS), which will give them a chance to do just that and so much more!
Rock climbing, kayacking and mountain biking are some of the activities they can indulge in on the NCS eight week residential programme. Thousands of young people took part in NCS activities when it was launched last year and this year 30,000 places are up for grabs!
Feedback from last year’s programme has been overwhelmingly positive. One young person said: “I had the best summer of my life. I overcame my fear of heights and living away from home and it's all because of NCS.”
To find out more about this government initiative please contact ncs@catch-22.org.uk
Hundreds celebrate Apprenticeship Week
Posted on | April 20, 2012 | View Comments
National Apprenticeship Week 2012 turned out to be the most successful ever with more than 800 events and activities on offer across England – an impressive increase of 300 on last year.
The Week, from 6-10 of February, was in the top 10 of the UK’s most discussed Twitter topics and has enjoyed more than 800 write-ups in publications to date and still rising.
Simon Waugh, Chief Executive of National Apprenticeship Service, which organised the event, said: “National Apprenticeship Week is a time to celebrate the countless achievements of apprentices and employers, and to call on more [employers] and individuals to get involved [in apprenticeships]. Read more
Some undergraduates are unprepared for degree study
Posted on | April 20, 2012 | View Comments
Research by education and exam specialists Cambridge Assessment found many universities are laying on extra classes for new students amid concerns that some undergraduates are unprepared for degree study.
It warned that too much teaching to the test in schools meant that many students start university struggling to write essays, build arguments, evaluate information and conduct research.
The study was based on an 18-month research programme that included a survey of 633 higher education lecturers and road shows. Read more
Smaart Advice 10.1 out now!
Posted on | April 18, 2012 | View Comments
Our latest Smaart Advice Newspaper (Issue 10.1) has just been released.
We now use a new and improved digital magazine layout, where you can now zoom into every single article to read it, share the mag in any way you want to, and has a clear contents page to read the section you really want to.
Launch the Interactive version of Smaart Advice.
New Smaart Advice Newspaper is now online!
Posted on | December 13, 2010 | View Comments

Our latest Smaart Advice Newspaper (Issue 8.3) has just been released. We now use a new and improved digital magazine layout, where you can now zoom into every single article to read it, share the mag in any way you want to, and has a clear contents page to read the section you really want to. Launch the Interactive version of Smaart Advice
Sponsored Post: UCLAN, helping students make the most of their potential
Posted on | December 8, 2010 | View Comments
At the University of Central Lancashire we’ve been helping people from all walks of life make the most of their potential since 1828. First class facilities, cutting edge technologies and a network of dedicated support staff create the ideal culture and environment for delivering a well-rounded education. No wonder we were rated Top Modern University for Student Experience 2010 by the Times Higher. Read more
Pupils enjoy their taste of university life
Posted on | December 7, 2010 | View Comments

Getting mummified with realms of toilet paper and creating loads of lucky charms were all part of a fun filled day at Cambridge University for 30 excited primary school children. Read more
Network Rail boss: engineering graduates lack an understanding of the basics
Posted on | December 6, 2010 | View Comments
Britain risks producing a generation of graduates no more employable than school leavers, unless universities and businesses work better together to deliver programmes relevant for the commercial world, warned Network Rail’s chief executive. Read more



