New National Advancement Service 'Will Break Down Barriers To Work'

New research shows vocational qualifications are route to higher wages

A radical new advisory service will combine skills and training advice with practical guidance for people on how to overcome the barriers they face in getting on in life, Skills Secretary John Denham set out today.

For the first time, the adult advancement and careers service (AACS) will provide a one-stop-shop for those seeking training and help into work but who also face problems in areas like childcare, money matters, housing and disability issues.

Publishing a prospectus setting out how the new service will develop, Mr Denham announced the names and locations of ten prototype advisory services across England whose work will inform the launch of the AACS in 2010.

The service, which will be freely available to all but targeted at those most in need, will play a key role in boosting social mobility - empowering people to access the opportunities they need to realise their ambitions, improve their lives and those of their families.

Mr Denham believes that although for most people, information about training courses and skills development is easily accessible, many such as the low paid and unemployed continue to face barriers which hold them back.

He said: "Everyone deserves the best chance to get on in work and in life - but often people find a range of barriers in their way, whether they are seeking work, trying to get a better job, or worried about redundancy.

"Those barriers are different for everyone - whether finding suitable childcare, understanding employment rights, unblocking problems with housing - and the new service needs to be able to help people tackle them all, changing with them as they change through life."

(JM)