Careers Wales Online (www.careerswales.com) is the world's first all-age, bilingual virtual careers information, advice and guidance service.

The online service offers a comprehensive list of education, training and job opportunities for school and college leavers in Wales, as well as a unique 'e-portfolio' that allows people to establish and maintain their own progress record online for the first time, making it accessible at any time from any location.

The ground-breaking new 'e-portfolio' aims to become a lifelong tool, helping people to develop the skills to manage their own career development and learning by recording their learning achievements over the years and charting their progress against set targets.

"This really is a world first," said Careers Wales Online Project Manager, Rheinallt Jones. "It's a flexible, accessible and highly innovative service that looks set to change the face of careers guidance across Wales.

"It'll reach people of all ages and backgrounds, regardless of where they live in Wales. It will give everyone the opportunity to create a path for lifelong learning, from school through working life and into retirement."

As well as hosting tools to create and store CVs and application letters, it also offers interactive features on preparing for job interviews, work experience and careers advice, and information on over 600 different careers.

Minister for Education and Lifelong Learning, Jane Davidson said: "Learners of all ages will now be able to access high-quality advice and guidance on careers and learning options in a way that suits them.

"In a world where lifelong learning is a requirement for everyone to become and remain employable, this is a unique service that will benefit everyone in Wales."

Careers Wales Online has been piloted in 40 schools and colleges across Wales and with adult learners since November 2003 and is now live at www.careerswales.com