The gap between education and the workplace can seem like a daunting one for any young person about to make the leap onto the career ladder. For most, the decisions they make whilst navigating this tricky path toward secured employment will set a course for the rest of their working lives.
Traditionally, parents have been the primary port of call for young people seeking direction and guidance when making these important initial career decisions. In fact, some 70% of young people say they trust their parents for job advice according to a recent report from the Association of Colleges (AoC). The report goes on to warn that, although always well intended, career advice given by parents is often out of date and badly informed. The AoC suggest that as a result, parent advice can push learners “towards careers that are seen to be safe or traditional, but possibly not best suited to the individual or taking into account emerging industries”.
The report authors drew on an AoC survey earlier this year and carried out in-depth interviews with parents, children and career specialist. Their findings raised concerns that through parental advice learners are not getting enough information about vocational routes such as apprenticeships or courses offered through further education colleges and private training providers.
It’s in no doubt that parents will always play a crucial role in young people’s decision-making process when it comes to finding a career. Their support and encouragement can be vital at this particularly stressful time. With this report in mind, its important parents are not shut out of their children’s search for employment, but it’s equally important that young people don’t see them as the only place to turn to for advice. Instead, learners should be given greater access to professional careers advice, along with better training on how to find and secure appropriate employment.
NCFE offers a whole range of qualifications from its Preparation for Life and Work suite designed to help learners gain the understanding and experience they need to succeed in today’s competitive jobs market. This suite includes qualifications developed through the REED NCFE partnership, including NCFE Level 1 Certificate in Job Search and Employability Skills , NCFE Level 2 Award in Job Search and Interview Skills and NCFE Level 1 Award in Job Search and Employment Potential.
Could qualifications from NCFE’s Preparation for Life and work suite be the answer for parents looking to support their children by developing their own understanding of the employment market?
