Clearly there are issues that need to be resolved particularly in terms of the underlying information on which decisions are based. That should however not deter us from trying to meet the future skills needs of business, the inability to do so in the past has led to the shortages that we currently see in areas such as plumbing and nursing. What we cannot afford is the situation where many people are doing courses that have little market value - such as media studies. These options whilst they may be the preferred choice for the person they do little either for the individual in terms of their employability or in supplying the skills needed for continued economic growth and stability. I do accept that the needs of the individual have to be taken into account, but these must be within the context of the needs of the economy as a whole. If we don't then I believe we would be failing both the individual and the UK in general, bearing in mind the disparities between industries and choices are not as marked as many would have us believe - be it in terms of opportunity, potential earnings. I don't believe the role of the adviser / counsellor is a reactive one, rather it is about helping the individual to make informed choices that are driven by a thorough understanding of the skills needs of the economy and business. What it isn't, is about meeting the needs of the individual (many don't have the understanding or ability to articulate these) in isolation.