GATEWAY, the organisation responsible for the PlanIT database, was established in 1989 and works in partnership with other organisations including the Scottish Executive, Scottish Qualifications Authority, Community Learning Scotland, Careers Scotland and Scottish Enterprise. Its products and services are used in schools, universities and colleges throughout Scotland, helping many thousands of people make well informed career and learning decisions. It is a not-for-profit venture supported by 11 Scottish Local Authorities and funding from the European Social Fund.

The organisation collects and collates comprehensive information relating to the world of work and life long learning, which it uses to produce publications and databases, and to support a free telephone guidance help line. It is strong on Information and Communication Technology and is continually developing interactive methods of delivering guidance which are inclusive, client-centred and impartial.

The PlanIT database is available online and is free to users. The home page provides access to 3 main menu options - Careers in Scotland, Learn in Scotland and Work in Scotland. Each site has a number of files that can be downloaded. The career site has 5 options, one of which gives access to 26 career articles, over 600 job articles and information on thousands of courses with opportunities to meet a wide range of personal situations. The Learning site has 6 options and allows users to access information on courses at colleges and universities throughout Scotland, including part time leisure courses. The Work site has 5 options, including information on job seeking skills and multimedia profiles of workers in the oil and gas industry (a development project called Talking Jobs designed to give young people a better understanding of the world of work). The programs are not interactive but it is possible to access a personal adviser at a day and time to suit the client by completing an on line call back service.

Participating countries: Scotland..

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