Career learning in schools in Scotland past, present and future

Abstract

Career education has never been statutory in Scotland but has nonetheless been subject to the ebb and flow of government policy. At times this has been helpful, generating funding, guidelines and advice. However, government engagement has also been characterised by short-termism and, often, wasteful repetition. In Scotland, by 20 IS, there will be a model that is underpinned by several new policy initiatives, one which locates learning about life and work within the curriculum, and one which provides more robust quality assurance arrangements. This could be the makings of a concerted national effort to improve career learning or yet another short-term initiative that eventually leaves us back where we started.