Portfolio of Services to Education

Portfolio of Services to Education

Youth Connexions Hertfordshire The Complete Solution Youth Connexions Hertfordshire, part of Hertfordshire County Council, provides impartial information, advice and guidance and personal and social development opportunities for young people. Working in over 100 Hertfordshire learning settings, Youth Connexions has consistently exceeded government targets year after year. Our vision is to prepare young people to make a successful transition to adult and working life by providing services that are high performing with practice regarded amongst the best both regionally and nationally. Working in Partnership Building on our long standing relationships with partners, Youth Connexions continues to develop the depth and breadth of our portfolio of services, offering quality and value for money. A robust quality cycle, underpinned by a partnership agreement, enables a seamless two-way communication throughout the year. This brochure illustrates our wide range of services that include: impartial careers guidance working with the Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce and Industry to deliver work related learning support and preparation in finding apprenticeships, developed with the National Apprenticeship Service progression to Higher Education developed with the University of Hertfordshire The Youth Connexions Offer Youth Connexions offers a comprehensive range of both off the shelf and bespoke packages. Through working in partnership with a range of providers, services are joined up more than ever before to provide the complete solution for: One size does not fit all which is why Youth Connexions packages have been designed to meet the needs of your institution allowing flexibility, innovation and value for money. You can be confident that Youth Connexions will meet your statutory responsibilities for securing independent, impartial guidance for students. independent and impartial information, advice and guidance careers education work related learning Youth Connexions has a proven track record of providing high quality and impartial careers information, advice and guidance to students for many years, from one to one guidance interviews tailored to each individual s needs to group delivery on a wide range of subjects. Justin Donovan, Director of Education and Early Intervention, Hertfordshire County Council Youth Connexions is committed to the Matrix Standard; advisers are trained with the latest guidance techniques and have access to the most up to date information on education courses, careers and job market information. 1

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Careers Guidance The Education Act 2011 places schools under a duty to secure access to independent careers guidance for their pupils from September 2012. Guidance must be presented in an impartial manner and promote the best interests of the pupils to whom it is given. Guidance should also include information on options available in respect of 16-18 education or training, including apprenticeships. Schools need to make arrangements for impartial careers guidance that fits the needs and circumstances of their students, and will need to engage in partnership with external, expert providers to fulfil this statutory duty. Positive for Youth, (a new approach to cross-government policy for young people aged 13 to 19, HM Government 2011) states that "The teenage years are a critical period of growth and change. They are an important time for making significant life choices and decisions." Young people are facing increased complexity and competition in education and labour markets and benefit from independent guidance and support to make their decisions and choices. Young people have said they prefer this guidance to be face to face. Youth Connexions offers this individual, impartial and personal guidance to support and signpost young people through the wealth of information and options available. Youth Connexions qualified careers guidance advisers will deliver face to face, one to one, careers guidance interviews to young people to support key transition planning throughout the Key Stages. Youth Connexions Advisers: Are experienced in delivering individualised, impartial careers, information, advice and guidance to young people and their parents/carers Are knowledgeable about local, regional and national opportunities with access to a wealth of up to date information Are skilled in tailoring careers information, advice and guidance to individual needs Can draw in additional resources to support individual needs Have current, enhanced CRB clearance Receive regular performance management and supervision It was a great help talking to you about what I am going to do in the future and what college to go to see, thank you. There are always more choices and opportunities rather than just one, I can now plan my future and how to go into the career I want. Our Youth Connexions PA works really well with the school to provide excellent support for students. 3

Support for Young People with Learning Difficulties and Disabilities Schools will need to make appropriate arrangements to meet the particular needs of disadvantaged children and will need to work in partnership with the local authority to support those with special educational needs and disabilities. Local authorities have continuing responsibilities for young people leaving school if they have a statement of special educational need and are likely to receive post 16 education or training or higher education, under section 139A of the Learning and Skills Act. Young people should receive independent careers guidance and impartial advice about all of the mainstream education, training and employment opportunities on offer, regardless of their individual circumstances. For those with learning difficulties and/or disabilities (LDD), this advice should also include information on the full range of specialist provision that is available. Youth Connexions has an important role to play, offering support services to all young people with LDD (14-25) and benefits from the provision of a specialist LDD Team. It is a statutory duty that young people with a Statement of SEN must have Personal Adviser input in preparation for the Year 9 transition review. A Personal Adviser must attend the review and complete a report for the Transition Plan in accordance with the SEN Code of Practice (2001), in addition the young person will receive a Learning Difficulty Assessment (Section 139A) from a Personal Adviser on leaving school to go to further learning after compulsory education. It is also a requirement that young people with LDD who are School Action+ / School Action receive appropriate support, which can be as that described for those with a statement. Youth Connexions will provide that as part of its range of packages. The Young People s Needs Analysis Conference The Young People s Needs Analysis Conference (YPNAC) is a planning tool. The purpose of the YPNAC is to identify and address the needs of students collaboratively between the school, Youth Connexions and other professionals or agencies linked to the school and community to ensure young people with additional needs have a well-planned experience throughout and moving on from KS4. The YPNAC also assists schools and Youth Connexions to meet their statutory duties to ensure that young people with learning difficulties and/or disabilities have a review at key transition points. The YPNAC is an effective method of collating data about all learners, useful for both the school and its delivery partners. As well as using the YPNAC to underpin the agreement between Youth Connexions and an institution, it is a useful diagnostic tool for new and existing staff to monitor student needs. 4

Personal Development and Targeted Support Youth Connexions has experience and specialist knowledge in offering sustained support for vulnerable young people by helping overcome barriers to progression. Issues and needs successfully addressed include lack of positive aspirations, emotional support, recognising potential, planning and preparing for independence. Tailored support packages for individual young people are delivered by trained Personal Advisers. Amongst outcomes expected are: improving attendance issues, raising achievement and engagement, boosting post-16 retention and improving relationships within the learning environment. The Personal Adviser works with the young person to identify areas for development, barriers to achieving their goals and both presenting and underpinning issues. By developing a realistic action plan the Personal Adviser helps a young person set achievable targets for progression, promoting positive self-belief in their strengths, skills and personal qualities. Information, advice and guidance form part of successful personal development. Career ideas and interests are explored and quality resources are used to support progression, enabling young people to make informed choices and decisions. When required, the Personal Adviser will work closely with parents, teachers or other key agencies to develop innovative and long lasting solutions to ensure young people have a smoother and less problematic journey throughout the educational system. Youth Connexions have helped me a lot over the past few years. I was able to confide in my Youth Connexions worker when things weren t so good at home through my last school years, now I m doing a college course which was set up through Youth Connexions. I wouldn t be doing as well as I am if it wasn t for the organisation. I found the sessions very useful. I learnt different ways of revising and dealing with stress, it helped me a lot. 5

Group Work Youth Connexions delivers innovative group work using resources that have been developed with young people and qualified guidance professionals to ensure relevance and engagement. The nature and content of any group work will be designed to respond to needs, to deliver planned outcomes and can be tailored to specific groups. Examples of group work offered include: Career and occupational choices The realities of the local job market Employability skills Education options at key transition points Health and well being Developing personal and social skills Getting the most from web based and software packages Motivational and Career Planning Packages - CLICK! As well as a comprehensive range of themes, Youth Connexions can also offer sustained group work packages for young people who are identified as being at risk of dropping out of education or who are not progressing as they should. Click! is a motivational and career planning programme, based on a well-established curriculum delivered across the UK. Click! raises young people s aspirations, motivation and achievement. Click! may be accessed as a pick n mix offer of modules covering topics such as aspirations, skills and qualities, decision-making and action planning in addition to career exploration and employment skills. Click! can be designed to the needs of your organisation. Over 95% of Click! participants have made a successful transition into work and/ or training Quotes from previous participants of the Click! programme It has opened my views and opinions and I feel better about myself. It helped me build skills to help me in later life. I would recommend this to everyone. I have focussed more. I've got more positive hopes for the future; I know where I'm heading. 6

Higher Education Choices Options at 18 are more varied than ever, our Personal Advisers are therefore kept up to date with all the latest developments in application procedures, finance, and other key considerations that young people and their parents/carers need to be aware of when making decisions about progressing to University. Further, we recognise that university is not for everybody, and therefore offer a range of support on alternatives such as gap years, internships or apprenticeships. Each year in partnership with UCAS and the University of Hertfordshire we continue to organise and run the prestigious two-day Higher Education Convention. Youth Connexions Hertfordshire has established very close links with the University of Hertfordshire and is collaborating to offer a range of HE packages to educational settings. The University of Hertfordshire has a wide-ranging programme of activities to support students in making decisions about Higher Education. They work closely with both Youth Connexions and learning settings to ensure that their events are useful and engaging. The synergy this offers enables us to offer a wider range of services than ever before. Types of activities available: Talks Why go to University; Choosing your University and Course; UCAS Applications and Personal Statements; Student Finance; Parents talk covering choices, applications and finance; Revision Skills; University Learning Skills. Student Ambassador Talks Student Life Talks; Preparing for University. Workshops The experience has greatly benefited all involved. The feedback we received from both the student and parent sessions was extremely positive, especially from our parents who found the presentation both clear and very well delivered. Independent Living; Interview Skills; Goal Setting; Study Skills; Revision Skills; Extended Project Qualification. University Day for Year 9 students Includes a campus tour and opportunity to see the accommodation. Campus Visit Choose a combination of talks and activities. Stem Fair Carousel of STEM interactions. Subject Taster Days Range of options. Easter School Maths and English revision to improve grades for students on C/D borderline. 7

Employment and Apprenticeship Support 82% of businesses feel employability skills are the single most important consideration when recruiting. (CBI Study, May 2011) The Education Act 2011 clearly states a legal duty on schools to secure independent and impartial careers guidance on all education and training pathways including apprenticeships. In the light of increasing fees for Higher Education, equipping young people with the knowledge about apprenticeships is more important than ever. In recognition of this vital support, Youth Connexions, in tandem with the National Apprenticeship Service (NAS), the Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Hertfordshire Provider Network (HPN), can now offer individual and bespoke packages on a range of themes including: Apprenticeships and job search: What are apprenticeships Benefits of apprenticeships Skills relevant to employment and qualifications that provide transferable skills How to search, find, register and apply for apprenticeship vacancies Using online guides to support candidates with registering and applying for apprenticeship vacancies Careers in the modern world and labour market information: What modern career paths look like and how to prepare for the future The causes of change in the labour market and availability of local opportunities Occupation-specific sessions Ensuring awareness of career relevance and usefulness of core and optional subjects Applying for work, presenting yourself, what to expect: Using Youth Connexions Employment and Training Advisers who have extensive local knowledge of the job market Job Hunting CV Writing Interview Skills Employer Expectations Outcomes of employment and apprenticeship support: Confidence with interview techniques and application processes Preparation towards entering the workforce Developing skills for adulthood, including communication and working with others Confidence in one s personal skills and qualities and understanding how these relate to the world of work Raising aspirations Knowledge of employment and apprenticeships as post 16 options and how to apply for these 8

Data Management Services and Destinations Youth Connexions as part of Hertfordshire County Council has the experience and expertise to meet your challenge of collating and producing the data required for the new school Destinations Measures. Local authorities have retained the duty to encourage, enable or assist young people s participation in education or training. The Department for Education (DfE) also requires local authorities to have arrangements in place to ensure that 16 and 17 year olds have received an offer of a suitable place in post-16 education or training and this will become increasingly important as the participation age is raised. Section 72 of the Education and Skills Act 2008 requires all schools to provide relevant information about pupils to local authority support services. Schools should also work in partnership with local authorities to ensure they know what services are available and how young people can be referred for support so that they are enabled to participate in continued learning and work. The legislation coming into effect in 2013 will raise the participation age and will place a duty on schools to notify local authorities whenever a 16 or 17 year old leaves learning. Youth Connexions will continue to work with young people who have left education and support them into further education, employment or training. Our Employment Advisers will continue to track and provide vacancy matching services for young people when they complete their education. As a result of these processes, Youth Connexions will work with schools to achieve high performance against Ofsted s destination criteria. On an individual basis, this will support the work undertaken to minimise the number of young people who drop out of learning between the ages of 16 and 18. Information is collected in a number of ways: from enrolment and offers lists, Young People s Needs Analysis Conference and Future Choices surveys. This information is used to assess which young people are most at risk of not making a successful transition from compulsory education and sixth form studies in order to optimise a school s destinations results. Youth Connexions will maintain records of interventions performed by its staff including assessments, action plans and outcomes. Youth Connexions holds data on secure systems, meeting the DfE s security compliance requirements and employs data specialists to ensure that the local authority complies with the Data Protection Act. Youth Connexions will agree with schools what reports would be most useful in recording interventions, aspirations and destinations of students, and important labour market information. We can additionally put together packs of information for senior management and governing bodies to assist planning processes. 9

Careers Information and Curriculum Support Youth Connexions supports learning organisations to ensure young people have access to accurate information and a high quality programme of careers education, work related learning and personal development. Schools are expected to consider a quality award for careers education, information, advice and guidance. Youth Connexions will work with the learning environment staff to review, advise and develop schemes of work and high quality information resources. Further, learning organisations can gain accreditation for the quality of their careers education, work related learning and information provision. Generally, such support is broken down into the following areas: Investor in Careers Award Youth Connexions as the Hertfordshire licence holder can support learning organisations to gain a nationally recognised kite mark for quality CEIAG including mentoring staff through planning, evidence gathering and assessment. Curriculum and information review an opportunity for reflection with a specialist adviser to identify good practice and areas for development. Curriculum development in-depth support to address curriculum development areas, changing requirements and enhanced delivery e.g. schemes of work for KS3, KS4, post 16 and designing bespoke off-timetable days. Information and software development practical support to ensure resource areas contain impartial, accurate and appropriate resources to meet student needs. Workshops and CPD for staff to enable and empower them to deliver effectively to students, including CEG updates, quality careers programmes, qualifications, pathways, advice skills for tutors. Workshops for Governors Youth Connexions will offer as a part of all our packages a presentation once a year about our work to the full governing body or equivalent. Governors will be re-assured to know the following is taking place in their establishment: That staff are up-to-date with the world of work and, where appropriate, areas of development identified. That young people are inspired and motivated by the careers and work related curriculum, resulting in improved progression. That young people can access accurate and impartial quality information to make effective decisions. That staff are enabled to deliver programmes to prepare young people for an ever-changing world. 10

Education Business Links Through working in partnership with the Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce and Industry, a locally focussed and responsive offer is available. Herts Chamber has an extensive contact database of business people from a wide range of commercial, industrial and public sector organisations. Youth Connexions is the main provider of careers guidance in Hertfordshire schools. Bringing Youth Connexions together with the Herts Chamber establishes continuity and a clear link between the learning setting and the world of work for young people and their parents or carers. Schools should decide on the most appropriate forms of engagement but might consider mentoring, workplace visits, work experience, work shadowing, enterprise clubs or employer talks. The following events and activities give a flavour of what can be delivered through a toolkit of bespoke activities (workshops, presentations and programmes), introducing students to employer expectations and employment realities and helping students prepare for a working future with knowledge and confidence. Block and bespoke work experience Work experience for individual students or groups, tailored to a particular curriculum area, focused on a specific sector, or designed around specific needs of the individual student over an extended period. Health and safety checks Where students provide their own private placements, health and safety checks (by IOSH qualified staff) to ensure the placement is safe, appropriate and meets the needs of the student. Mock interviews Genuine interviews with business volunteers as interviewers to create a realistic job application process, with feedback on preparation tips, question anticipation, responses and candidate presentation. CV workshops Interactive group sessions to explore and discuss the importance and requirements of a good CV. Insight into industry and industry talks Interactive activities led by business volunteers, giving practical opportunities where possible to practise sector-related skills and tailored presentations covering but not limited to business sectors, occupational areas, career pathways and progression routes. Career fairs Events that bring students face-to-face with prospective employers to learn about opportunities and expectations. Employer-led assignments Real-life scenarios developed into activities designed in conjunction with employers, which can be delivered by teaching professionals both in and outside the classroom. Employer visits Introducing students to a work environment through onsite visits that give them an understanding of current working practices and employability criteria. Enterprise activities Tailored events to enhance students awareness of enterprise and business-related skills through stimulating business-centred activities. Group challenges Organisation-led activities designed around a previous or existing business dilemma, providing actual work-focused problem-solving and team collaborating experience. 11

Hertfordshire Healthy Schools Programme Youth Connexions recognises the value of a whole school approach to learners and that careers education and careers guidance should be very much part of a wider package of support. For this reason, we have made it possible to buy into the annual Hertfordshire Healthy Schools Programme through any of our packages. The Hertfordshire Healthy Schools Programme recognises the vital role that schools play in supporting the health and wellbeing of young people. Schools are able to sign up to an annual subscription to the programme, enabling access to an extensive range of training, support, advice and guidance. A toolkit is also available to support schools to identify needs and priorities. The Hertfordshire Healthy Schools Programme offers an inclusive school package of support, training and resources that contributes to a school s health and wellbeing needs in the context of school improvement. The programme provides local Children s Services recognition and celebration of whole school community health and wellbeing. The programme enables schools to provide high quality evidence of impact to support Ofsted inspection requirements. Each school signing up to the annual subscription will be entitled to the following: Half-day adviser support visit on a school identified priority A two hour recognition visit to celebrate achievement Attendance at termly PSHE network meetings Attendance at Hertfordshire Healthy Schools twilight events on key issues Attendance at one half day health and wellbeing training course A two hour governor training session as part of the governance training programme Outcomes of Service: Children and young people in Hertfordshire Healthy Schools say that they feel healthier, happier and safer. Their parents say that they feel more involved in their child s health and learning and often feel better themselves. Schools say that the Hertfordshire Healthy Schools Programme has brought sustained improvement in behaviour, standards of work and school management. The impact of Hertfordshire Healthy Schools is in the whole school approach which includes pupils, parents, teachers, governors and support staff, as well as a comprehensive network of local and national partners, to draw together initiatives which support its four core themes: personal, social and health education healthy eating physical activity emotional health and wellbeing 12

Virtual Services Youth Connexions has a range of web based sites and services for both students and teaching staff. Some are topic based, designed to provide specific information on careers or jobs for young people. Others pull together a range of provision, such as the channelmogo website, which signposts all local support for young people. Career choices information and guidance Youth Connexions provides a wealth of information and guidance resources including: The hertschoices careers website has job vacancies, local careers information and advice and links to the local course directory. Key web based information both at national and local level can be found on the site, together with interest questionnaires to find an ideal career, along with helpful advice to create a CV. We continue to work with and offer heavily discounted rates on a range of national careers software. We are pleased to offer discounted services from CASCAID, U-Explore and UCAS. Webchat service This new service is accessed online and allows young people to have a live one to one chat with a Personal Adviser. The service is fully secure and is text based only, so no webcam or microphone is needed. Additional and bespoke webchat windows are available through the week or at weekends for learning organisations to tailor to their need. Broad issue and information coverage for young people The channelmogo website is maintained by Youth Connexions in collaboration with more than twenty expert partners, covering all the areas in which young people might need advice. The site can provide a platform for exploring and researching curriculum topics in the classroom. Group work lesson plans are available and group work delivery can be provided. Parents' and Carers' Workshops Parents and Carers play a significant role in supporting their sons and daughters career planning and decision-making. Parents and Carers all need information and advice to understand the choices young people face at transition points and how to access appropriate resources. Youth Connexions offers: Personal Adviser attendance at parents'/ options evenings for individual consultations; Exhibition stands for parents evenings, including a team of Personal Advisers, information and advice, resources, demonstrations and multiple consultations; Presentations or workshops for parents which can be offered singly or over a period of four weeks as a short course, including: Making decisions at 14, 16 and 18 Qualifications Jobs for the Future Local Labour Market Information Higher Education Employability Skills Apprenticeships Pathways Using online tools and accessing web based information www. 13.org

Youth Connexions Outdoors Hertfordshire has four centres that offer a broad range of activities and experiences, predominantly focused on supporting children and young people to develop personally, socially and academically. Herts Young Mariners Base in Cheshunt offers a wide range of water based activities including kayaking, canoeing, sailing, dragon and bell-boating, plus land based activities including caving and climbing. This site is ideal for induction programmes and students who are more suited to hands-on active learning. Groups can camp on site or use the Youth Hostel neighbouring the centre. Cuffley Camp is set in the Great Wood, Cuffley, providing residential and day visits. Activities include a climbing, mountain biking, high ropes, archery, rope assisted tree climbing as well as a wide range of environmental study activities. The centre has 12 residential villages, which comprise of tents and cabins and a new multi use activity / dining hall. Hudnall Park, surrounded by the Chiltern Hills, is the perfect location for groups to undertake geographical and biological studies as well as DofE groups wishing to walk the local area. Activities on-site include archery, low ropes course, mountain biking, pond dipping, bivvy building, orienteering, pioneering and camping. The centre offers classroom facilities and residential accommodation for 30 people. Hertfordshire Snowdonia Centre at the foot of Mount Snowdon is an ideal location for groups wishing to explore the local area and undertake activities such as sailing, canoeing and kayaking on the nearby lakes and mountain biking. The centre can accommodate 34 people and has a fully equipped kitchen, a dining room, lounge area and drying room. UK Youth Parliament (UKYP) Members of the Youth Parliament (MYPs) play an important role in representing their peers and making sure that young people's voices are heard on issues that affect and concern them. They do not represent any political party and campaign on everything from drugs and street crime to education and the environment. UKYP provides opportunities for 11-18 year-olds to use their voice in creative ways to bring about social change. Each year, young people from across the county compete for six MYP seats and six deputy MYP places. Voting is held online, allowing candidates to promote their manifestos via video clips and written statements on the county youth portal www.channelmogo.org. Young people aged 11-18 who live or go to school in Hertfordshire are eligible to vote on receipt of a unique voting number, which ensures the process is transparent. Taking part in this process is not only a valuable experience of democracy, but also contributes to Citizenship and PSHE curriculum activities. School councils are encouraged to work alongside Members of Youth Parliament in the development of a collective 'Youth Voice' that enables young people's involvement in decision making at both a community and county level. Youth Connexions supports both the election process and the MYPs and can work with learning institutions to ensure young people can participate in all aspects of the process. 14

Youth Connexions Music and Media Studio This new countywide facility based in Watford opened in the winter of 2011. Designed to a very high standard, it includes a recording studio and a media suite with a green screen. Students have the opportunity to produce podcasts, short films and music videos, encouraging them to learn skills such as storyboarding, script writing and filmmaking. Participants will be taken through the editing process to enable them to produce a high quality product. Young people can learn how to shoot photos using a white background and utilise a professional editing package to ensure 'magazine' quality images. In addition to accredited programmes delivered by experienced and qualified staff, tailored workshops can be designed and delivered to contribute to the motivation, personal and social development of young people. The Duke of Edinburgh's Award (DofE) The DofE Award is a holistic programme for young people, giving them the chance to develop skills outside the classroom for work and life. There are three levels to the award, bronze, silver and gold. Each level is split into four sections (five for gold): Volunteering, Physical, Skills, Expedition and a residential activity (gold only). Further details about the award can be found at www.dofe.org. As the Hertfordshire Operating Authority for the DofE, Youth Connexions supports the delivery of this award by: Supporting the development of new centres Providing a programme of training Providing advice and support on specific queries as they are raised Reviewing all expedition notifications and process any variations Checking all Keeping Track booklets and processing e-dofe awards 15

Useful Contacts and Websites If you wish to discuss anything in this brochure, please contact the relevant Youth Connexions Team Manager in the first instance: Dacorum and St Albans Mohamed Fawzi 01442 454060 mohamed.fawzi@hertscc.gov.uk East Herts and Broxbourne Jo Denton 01992 588220 jo.denton@hertscc.gov.uk North Herts and Stevenage Judith Sutton 01438 843340 judith.sutton@hertscc.gov.uk Watford and Three Rivers Mary Walsh 01442 454060 mary.walsh@hertscc.gov.uk Welwyn Hatfield and Hertsmere Martin Cooke 01707 292645 martin.j.cooke@hertscc.gov.uk For further contacts and information linked to a number of the services in this brochure, please refer to the following: University of Hertfordshire: UK Recruitment and Access 01707 289392 ukra@herts.ac.uk www.herts.ac.uk The Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce and Industry: Education Team 01707 398423 education@hertschamber.com www.hertschamber.com Health and Wellbeing, Standards and School Effectiveness 01438 844044 elizabeth.biggs@hertscc.gov.uk www.thegrid.org.uk/learning/hwb Youth Connexions Hertfordshire 01438 843690 youth.connexions@hertscc.gov.uk www.youthconnexions-hertfordshire.org Youth Connexions Music and Media Studio youthconnexions.cmms@hertscc.gov.uk Youth Connexions Outdoors youthconnexions.outdoors@hertscc.gov.uk www.youthconnexions-hertfordshire.org/outdoors DofE Award (Duke of Edinburgh Award) 01992 588225 dofe@hertscc.gov.uk www.hertschoices.org.uk Site for young people to research courses and careers, understand job market information and apply for live job vacancies. www.channelmogo.org Has everything from information and advice to finding things to do for all young people in Hertfordshire, aged 11-19 (and up to 25 years with a disability). 16

Key Reasons to use Youth Connexions Hertfordshire Reputable, independent and impartial IAG service. Highly qualified workforce equipped with professional guidance qualifications, supported by supervision and professional development, regulated by quality assurance assessments. Established Personal Advisers in Hertfordshire schools providing a reliable consistent service. Sole provider of Investor in Careers award for Hertfordshire schools. Proven success supporting young people into Education, Employment and Training destinations (EET) supported by the Youth Connexions One Stop Shop network. Excellent track record of supporting attainment and engagement for young people. Dedicated to support all your careers education and information needs (including curriculum support for CEIAG and teacher training). Dynamic, innovative service offer; featuring a range of bespoke packages tailored to suit your needs based on diagnostic tools & school knowledge. Committed to the new IAG Matrix Standard. Highly equipped with local Hertfordshire knowledge; established networks and links with external partnership organisations, employers, businesses and providers. Robust management information systems to help destinations measures. Dedicated support from the experienced interactive media and information teams. Fully integrated service seamless links to PSHE, youth work and targeted support. Outstanding value for money packages. www.youthconnexions-hertfordshire.org Youth Connexions Post Point SFAR 101 Farnham House, Six Hills Way Stevenage, SG1 2FQ