Aim:

The aim of the LMI Online Learning Module is to provide opportunities for all professionals working in the information, advice and guidance field to develop the ability to access, understand and manipulate Labour Market Information as part of effective careers information, advice and guidance.

What is Labour Market Information and why do we need it? How do we find it and use it effectively?

Teachers, tutors and mentors frequently find that they are the first port of call when learners have questions about their future course and career options. Often they feel ill equipped about where to turn to for basic information, or, if required, expert advice and guidance.

Careers guidance practitioners are at the interface between the job market and their clients. In an increasingly complex world, it is unsurprising that one aspect of seeing a careers adviser that clients particularly value is the 'access to expert knowledge and networks' (Bimrose et al 2004:v). So whilst linking people to the labour market isn't the only goal of career guidance it is hard to imagine any credible attempt at guidance completely divorced from an understanding of Labour Market Information (LMI), and the ability to conjure from this raw and sometimes overwhelming data its more useful sister Labour Market Intelligence.

Topics to be covered include:

• LMI Learning self-assessment – you will already be accomplished in many areas of using LMI, but how often do you take the time to carry out a personal audit to see where your particular strengths and possible areas for development are?
• LMI Basics - what is LMI, why do we need it in careers information, advice and guidance, and where do we find it?
• LMI Moving on - what are the key trends and what does it mean for guidance? Plus, how do we use LMI in practice?
• LMI Digging deeper - Looking at LMI in-depth, professional updating, together with researching and presenting LMI
• Equality and diversity in LMI, using it in practice and raising awareness of issues
• LMI Exchange - discussion forum to debate issues, raise questions and share resources with the careers community
• Help central - a collection of useful LMI resources and materials