Creating Brighter Futures: Careers Wales launches vision for 2021-2026

Careers Wales has launched a new vision and strategy for 2021 to 2026, to help ensure young people and adults in Wales have access to high quality, impartial careers guidance and coaching that can have a positive impact on their education, employment and wellbeing outcomes.

Called ‘Brighter Futures’, the ambitious all-age vision sets out four primary goals:

• To provide a bilingual, inclusive impartial careers guidance and coaching service for the people of Wales
• To develop work with employers, training providers and entrepreneurs to understand their skills requirements and opportunities for young people and adults
• To support delivery of the Curriculum for Wales and contribute to the achievement of the four purposes
• To develop a skilled, engaged and agile Careers Wales workforce and enable the delivery of high performing, customer-centred services

These goals are underpinned by the organisation’s values, principles and determination to make a difference during a difficult time.

The vision sets out plans for services provided by Careers Wales and Working Wales, the Welsh Government’s employability gateway for plus 16 careers support.

Customers range from primary school pupils, through to secondary pupils facing key decisions, young people aged 16-18 in learning and work, and adults requiring support through various transitions and situations.

Nikki Lawrence, Chief Executive of Careers Wales, said: “We’re so pleased to be launching our vision for the next five years.

“This vision aims to play a vital role in our country’s economic recovery post-pandemic, contributing to fundamental shifts needed in outlooks and attitudes to work and skills.

“Our customers will be at the heart of everything we do, and we know that this will be reflected in the collective efforts and attitude of our staff and partners, and the vital work they carry out on a daily basis.

“We are uniquely placed in schools, colleges, on the high street and in community hubs, inspiring and motivating young people to achieve their career goals in school or college and helping adults to overcome barriers to employment and develop new skills.

“Evidence shows that supporting people into work is good for the individual, good for the economy and good for Wales.

“We look forward to implementing our new vision, bringing new hope and inspiration to the people of Wales, and making sure no one gets left behind.”

Brighter Futures has been approved by the Welsh Government Minister for Economy, Transport and North Wales, Ken Skates, who said: “Ensuring young people and adults have access to first-class careers guidance when looking for employment, considering their next career steps or developing their skills will be absolutely crucial as we rebuild the Welsh economy.

“Careers Wales’ new five year ‘Brighter Futures’ vision will ensure nobody is left behind and will be important in helping create new and exciting opportunities which will also benefit businesses and organisations throughout Wales.

“Careers Wales and its adult service Working Wales wants to make a real difference to people. They are uniquely placed in our schools, on our high streets and in our communities and will support people to fulfil their potential, overcome barriers and create brighter futures.”

The vision closely supports the delivery of the new Curriculum for Wales and Education Minister, Kirsty Williams, said: “In this new five year vision I am really pleased to see how Careers Wales will be supporting our children and young people in exploring their future careers.

“Careers Wales will support schools and teachers in providing our children and young people with experiences that will help to build self-awareness, raise motivation and increase their knowledge of the labour market.”

“Careers and work-related experiences is an essential component within our new curriculum, it is essential that we do all we can to prepare our young people for the world of work.”