CAREERS advice in schools needs a major overhaul, according to Keighley's MP.

Robbie Moore says that at present, too many pupils are being told their route to success is through university – without considering options such as apprenticeships.

And his comments are supported by Keighley College, which says school students need to be given guidance covering all potential avenues.

Mr Moore has spoken on the issue in Parliament and is backing a Private Members Bill, under which all state-funded schools in England would be required to provide a range of careers advice and support for children from year seven until they leave.

He said: "Careers guidance should play a vital role in ensuring young people know the full range of choices available to them – whether that is going on to a further education college, entering an apprenticeship or training programme, or going to university.

"Too often, the vocational and technical skills job market is not promoted enough as a great option, with too much emphasis on more academic routes. And university isn’t for everyone.

"The standard of careers guidance in schools should not be a postcode lottery. Good advice must be clearly focused on the best interests of the children.

"The business sector can play a huge part in providing advice as well, and we need to see more interaction in the education sector with the business community to help inform our young children of the range of career options available.

"I'll continue to bang the drum for better careers guidance so that our businesses get the skilled workforce they need."

Mr Moore says research has shown that just 41 per cent of 11-to-16-year-olds are told at school about apprenticeships or other vocational routes that may be available. And only 21 per cent of teachers said they would advise high-performing students to opt for an apprenticeship over university.

Keighley College interim principal, Kevin O’Hare, says: "Demographics show that there will likely be a 13 per cent increase in school leavers in the district over the next few years.

"It's vital that our college is upskilling and retaining local talent, who are then fulfilling the jobs available locally.

"These school leavers need to understand the wide range of options available to them – and the clear link between vocational and apprenticeship training and the opportunities around here.

"Our college can train and retain this talent to rejuvenate the local economy."