Connexions: Partnership trains school careers staff

The programme has been developed in partnership with the University of Derby's Centre for Guidance Studies, which has accredited the course.

It combines distance learning with a series of local seminars, due to start on 18 January. Nine teachers and lecturers are registered and a further 10 places are being offered next term.

Margaret Christopoulos, co-ordinator of continuous professional development at the Centre for Guidance Studies, said negotiations were under way with other partnerships to develop similar programmes.

Shaun Newman, director of development at the Connexions partnership, said that improved careers education made Connexions personal advisers more effective. "This will enable advisers to concentrate their skills where they're needed," he said.