TV Chef Lorraine And Skills Minister Launch National Careers Service

Model turned TV Chef Lorraine Pascale and Skills Minister John Hayes have launched a new service which will transform careers advice by combining highly-trained advisers with an interactive website, helping countless people to reach their potential.

Lorraine gave up modelling in search of a career with a more secure long term future. After enrolling on a variety of courses including hypnotherapy and design, she decided to pursue a career in cookery.

Lorraine is backing The National Careers Service which will offer independent, impartial information and advice on learning and work. It will also give people access to a wide range of information about careers and the job market where they live.

Lorraine Pascale said: "After modelling, choosing my next career move was a big decision. I knew I wanted to find something that I was really passionate about, but I tried courses in hypnotherapy, auto repair and interior design before I found the thing that really makes me tick: cooking.

"Having independent careers advice can really help you find the thing you want to do. I’d encourage everyone to make the most of the National Careers Service to find out how to take their career forward, and realise their ambitions."

John Hayes commented: "With competition for jobs more fierce than ever, now is the time to introduce a careers service that will deliver on its promise.

"The National Careers Service, universally available to people at all stages of their careers, has the very best interactive tools on its website and the highest-quality advisers, committed to the noble cause of helping others fulfil their aspirations.

"Making available the right advice at the right time and in the right places is to strike a blow for social mobility, social cohesion and social justice - a society that encourages people from wherever they start to journey to the destination of their dreams."

Record Producer Pete Waterman has a keen personal and professional interest in skills and training; ranging from basic literacy to apprenticeships. He is also backing the new National Careers Service.

Pete Waterman added: "I know from my own experience that it’s never too late to learn a new skill.

"I learnt to read and write much later in life than many people, but this opened up a whole new world for me.

"It’s one of the reasons why I’m so passionate about helping people to get the skills they need to fulfil their ambitions."

With a strong emphasis on high-quality advice for all ages, schools will be required to secure independent, impartial careers guidance for their pupils. The Department for Education has published statutory guidance to help schools discharge this duty.

(GK)