Partnership, community and the market in careers education and guidance: Conflicting discourses

The guidance system in England and Wales has often been praised for its partnership approach involving schools and the Careers Service, unlike other countries where guidance is the responsibility of one institution. Partnership is examined in the context of the introduction of market principles in education and guidance which has placed accountability at the centre. Drawing on data from empirical research, it is argued that there has been a significant change in the culture and work of both groups of practitioners involved in the guidance partnership and that the partnership approach will continue to be problematic operating under a market orientated system.