Tristram Hunt MP, Labour’s Shadow Education Secretary, responding to the publication of the Public Accounts Committee report on 16-18 year old participation in education and training said:

“By failing to deliver an effective plan for careers advice, David Cameron’s government has badly let down young people.

“Young people are having opportunities closed off to them because of a lack of high quality information, advice and guidance. The Government’s decision to end work experience in schools and get rid of face-to-face careers provision shows that David Cameron’s Government is only interested in providing opportunity to the few, not the many. Young people who want to prepare for high-quality apprenticeships and vocational pathways are not being afforded the information and support that they need to make decisions that will affect the rest of their lives.

“Labour will ensure that all young people have the opportunity to undertake work experience, reform careers services so that young people can make informed choices about their futures and deliver high quality technical and vocational education.”