Ready for work: Careers Education in England 2023/24

Our annual report provides a comprehensive summary of the careers education landscape in the academic year 2023/24, drawing on insights from over 230,000 young people, 4,751 schools and colleges, and more than 800 employers.

It explores how careers education: 

• Addresses disadvantage
• Contributes to economic growth
• Drives work readiness  

With an unprecedented volume of data available to us, we are in the position of being able to track the wider impact of careers education - identifying what works, highlighting gaps, and shaping a system that delivers better outcomes for young people, schools and colleges, and employers. 

How to drive more progress?  

1. Employers: Of all sizes, across all sectors provide more meaningful opportunities and workplace experiences to help remove barriers for disadvantaged young people, supporting them to gain confidence and skills to become ready for work.

2. Careers Leaders: Work with Careers Hubs to build relationships with employers and develop data-driven practice, helping young people to make informed choices, strengthening talent pipelines and supporting key industries’ growth.

3. Teachers & parents: Engage with Careers Leaders and employers to give all young people early exposure to the world of work, equipping them with the skills, knowledge and confidence they need to thrive in their future careers.

How The CEC drives impact

Explore references in this report