House of Commons · Westminster Hall
19 June 2025 · 14 other contributors · 11,496 words
Opened by Andrew Ranger Lab Wrexham
Responding minister: Janet Daby
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
Andrew Ranger raised concerns about social mobility: careers education in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key points
Key requests to Government
The time is right for a renewed conversation about the role that careers education can play. We need to ensure soft skills education becomes common practice in educational institutions and other environments across the UK, starting at a younger age with clear milestones.
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.
Opened the debate
According to the Office for National Statistics report, around 872,000 young people aged between 16 and 24—about 12% of them—are not in education, employment or training. Students on free school meals are less likely to move into work, education or an apprenticeship compared with their peers due to unequal access to information and guidance.
Argued that social mobility is crucial for a fair society, highlighting the role of schools and teachers in providing support. Called for better careers education and funding for youth services.
Welcomes the opportunities presented by creative industries in north Wales, emphasising the importance of early exposure to careers.
Emphasised the importance of young people being able to make informed career choices without confusion.
Recognises the transformative power of education but highlights concerns over underfunding and barriers to social mobility. Calls for targeted investment in left-behind communities and reforms to ensure best possible outcomes.
Emphasised the importance of connecting students with local employers and role models, highlighting a successful story of Jack Bailey who graduated from Cambridge University and now champions social mobility.
Praises the Conservative party's record on expanding opportunity and social mobility. Mentions more than 5.8 million apprenticeships across 700 occupations, backed by £2.4 billion. Made remarks that were appreciated by the hon. Member for Gordon and Buchan.
Growing up in Salford, the MP saw how regional inequality limits opportunities for young people. She advocates for expanding apprenticeships and work experience to boost social mobility and productivity.
Discussed the challenges faced by young people with special educational needs in securing adequate care and education. She highlighted the work of Landmarks specialist college in providing careers education for these students.
Shared personal experience of lacking career guidance at school age 15, emphasizing the need for resources to find and develop alternative career interests.
The MP congratulates the lead member on securing the debate, emphasizing the importance of social mobility as a backbone for the country's future.
Congratulated the hon. Member for Wrexham on securing the debate without mentioning specific contributions or concerns. Contributed insights regarding the experiences and initiatives in her constituency.
In her constituency, there is a lack of sixth-form provision and access to conventional careers guidance. The Ada in Porlock initiative seeks to provide resource-rich guidance and pathways into STEM careers. Agreed that children and young people should think big, dream big, and aspire to be the best they can.
Stresses the importance of careers education for disabled young people to support social mobility and highlights successful programmes like Stepping Up that build confidence, life skills, and employability.
Discussed the high child poverty rate in Wolverhampton and Willenhall, where around 40% of children grow up in poverty. Emphasized the importance of good careers education to raise aspirations.
Government Response
Janet DabyThe Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Education
Acknowledged contributions from hon. Members on the importance of soft skills in professional development, recommended using Skills Builder’s framework in statutory careers guidance, and emphasised the need to combat child poverty while ensuring children and young people are not left to a career lottery. We are investing £15.8 billion in the financial year 2025-26 in apprenticeships, further education and higher education to address skills shortages. By developing a comprehensive strategy for post-16 education and skills, we aim to break down barriers to opportunity and support the development of a skilled workforce. Initiatives like career hubs are targeting young people from deprived backgrounds with tailored programs that connect them to local economies and employers. For instance, the Cumbria careers hub worked with 10 schools and the hospitality industry to provide real-world experiences for students. The data shows that high-quality careers provision is associated with reduced NEET rates by up to 20% in disadvantaged areas. To further accelerate progress, we are committed to improving careers advice in schools and colleges across England through updated statutory guidance that adopts evidence-based improvements from the Gatsby benchmarks framework.