Connexions Salford’s first IAG conference hailed a success
Connexions Salford recently held its first Information Advice and Guidance (IAG) conference at Swinton Park Golf Club in Salford.
The aim of the day was to promote IAG and the benefits it brings to secondary schools, FE colleges and the voluntary and community sector. Good quality IAG underpinned by effective careers education supports young peoples’ progression and enables them to make successful transitions through learning and into work.
Delegates were welcomed in an introductory speech by Connexions Salford Manager, Annette Hughes. Faith Mann (Assistant Director, Salford Children’s Services Directorate) provided an up-lifting insight about opportunities in Salford and the current economic regeneration.
These were followed with an inspirational presentation from David Andrews OBE, a leading figure in CE/IAG in the UK. His presentation, which was hailed as engaging and inspiring by the delegates included the stark statistic, which emphasised the need for IAG, that 22% of students starting HE courses do not complete their degrees.
14-19 Development and requirements were outlined by Salford’s 14-19 Programme Manager Aly Keogh, with Jack Louglin talking about developments with the online prospectus - Where2next.
Following the informative presentations, delegates participated in a number ofinteractive workshops which explored year 7-9 career education packs, the new Salford IAG entitlement, financial capability for young people and roles and responsibilities in schools around IAG.
Representatives from a wide range of Salford institutions attended. Feedback from the conference was very positive. Arlene Lancaster, Careers Adviser at Pendleton College said: ‘The IAG conference was very informative and was a great success, clearly well organised the conference touched on all aspects of the IAG debate. As a result of attending I am going to pass relevant information onto tutors to aid their work and continue with my own IAG work within college’.
If you would like further information about IAG and how Connexions can support you in developing IAG within your organisation, please contact the IAG matters team at Connexions Salford on 0161 743 0163 or email