Career Development Institute research shows need for improved all-age career guidance in the UK

A new report by the Career Development Institute reveals that while 62% of UK adults believe they would benefit from career guidance, only 15% have received support since finishing education.
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The Career Development Institute (CDI) has unveiled research as part of its Valuing Careers campaign, highlighting the critical role of professional careers guidance in helping individuals achieve their aspirations and in supporting national economic growth.

The findings were presented at an event in the House of Lords under the theme “Unlocking Potential: How Careers Guidance Can Fuel Economic Growth,” organised by the Career Development Policy Group (CDPG) and Policy Connect.

The research, based on a YouGov survey of 5,004 working-age adults across the UK, emphasises the need for career guidance at all life stages. While 66% of respondents expressed positivity about their careers so far, this figure drops sharply with age, from 71% among 18-24-year-olds to 33% for those aged 55-65. Moreover, although 62% of those surveyed believe they would benefit from professional career support, only 15% reported receiving such help since finishing education.

David Morgan, CDI’s chief executive, said: “This research deepens our understanding of people’s view of their careers and the support they need. There are key areas where we need to do more as a profession, working with governments and other stakeholders. We need more young people to leave education with career management skills and a better understanding of where they can get support throughout their careers, and we need to shift perceptions of career development away from being something you only get as a young person.”

He added, “There is much to be positive about in the research, yet also much for us still to do to ensure every young person and adult receives the professional, impartial and informed careers support that they deserve, and through doing so, help grow the economy and strengthen society.”

Despite broad recognition of the potential value of career guidance, many respondents reported facing barriers to accessing support. Around 20-30% of participants face systemic obstacles, such as low self-confidence or limited education, which prevent them from seeking help, even though they stand to benefit the most. The CDI’s analysis also found that awareness of available services is low, with only 38% having heard of their public careers service, though this was higher in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

Stephen Plimmer, CDI’s Research Manager, commented: “This research provides insight into the scale of the opportunities for career guidance, which is valuable not just for the CDI’s campaign but for many aspects of wider policy. Helping people to achieve their aspirations and overcome barriers will not only improve career fulfilment but also support the wider economy. This could be by encouraging people to develop new skills, or by supporting people to make career transitions to sectors with skill gaps.”

The report underscores that while professional career support services show clear benefits—86% of those who used such services reported positive outcomes—awareness and access remain critical issues. Comparatively, fewer respondents found Jobcentre Plus services helpful, with only 56% reporting benefits.

Following the launch, the CDI will host regional events in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland to discuss the findings and promote its recommendations, which include:

  • A Career Guidance Guarantee for young people and adults, as proposed by the CDPG.
  • Greater efforts to raise awareness of career development services, particularly among those facing systemic barriers.
  • Integrating career management skills into the education system to prepare individuals for lifelong career development.

Ryan Fowler

Ryan Fowler is Publisher of Workplace Journal

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