A new all-ages careers service has been announced for England.

Skills Minister John Hayes set out his vision for the service which will first be available from September 2011. Young people aged 13-19 and adults will be able to fully access new arrangements for careers guidance from April 2012.

It will build on the best of Next Step and Connexions and provide a fully joined up service for all age groups for the first time.

John Hayes said: “Informed learners are empowered learners. The right guidance at the right time not only helps young people and adults to progress in learning, but also increases their confidence and motivation to succeed. Careers guidance is at the heart of increasing social mobility, and a vital part of the machinery of social justice.”

“I have long argued for the creation of an all-age careers service. A unified, consistent service that offers seamless support to young people as they make the transition to adulthood and have a true focus on lifelong learning.”

Schools will be free to decide the how best to support young people in making career choices, but will be under a legal duty to secure independent and impartial guidance.

Hayes added: “Everyone knows that impartial advice is always the best advice. But that independent advice must also be underpinned by professional expertise.

“I want to re-professionalise the careers service and create an environment in which careers guidance is recognised for the important public good it is, in which young people, adults, schools, colleges, universities and whole communities see its value, use it and invest in it.

“I am calling on the careers sector in England to rise to the challenge of implementing the new all-age careers service.”

He made the announcement at the Institute of Careers Guidance (ICG) annual conference in Belfast.