Malcolm Barron, vice-president of the Institute of Careers Guidance, told the Enterprise and Lifelong Learning Committee that timetable pressures could squeeze out careers education because of the emphasis on attainment.

Brian Waddell, a careers manager in Fife, where Mr Barron is head of the careers service, said it would be difficult to do their jobs without adequate back-up from schools.

“My impression is schools don’t give sufficient priority to careers education,” Mr Waddell said.

The committee expects to report by April.