As another cohort of 14-16 year olds embark on the next chapter in their education I wonder how much each is considering their next steps beyond the classroom? Where will they go once they leave school and what guidance is there to help them make those choices beyond just the A level and university route?
Earlier this year, the Guardian newspaper picked up on new research showing that thousands of university graduates are now earning less than school leavers who’ve taken apprenticeships, despite accumulating far higher debts. Based on research from the Office for National Statistics, the figures show that more than a quarter of graduates were paid, on average, less than the £11.10 per hour for those on work-based training schemes last year.
The data followed warnings that too many school leavers are being pushed towards higher education without considering the alternatives. Some critics have argued that the last government set a target of encouraging half of young people into university but the move has sparked claims that many graduates have been left with useless degrees that fail to meet the needs of the economy.
But why has this become the case? Why are pupils choosing pathways to university if they’re just not right for their end career goals? Well one argument is inadequate career advice and guidance as a direct result of the lack of knowledge on alternative routes into the world of work amongst parents, school staff and pupils. But with the end to national network of careers advisors, it could be argued there’s also been some lack of clarity around obligations.
In fact, the government has made some steps to combat this and earlier this year released advice that all schools must offer ‘impartial careers advice’. The new guidance “sets out clearly how schools will be held to account, confirming Ofsted’s intention to take greater account during school inspections of the quality of careers guidance and of pupils’ destinations.”
This is no small task though and has its barriers. Regardless of whether the individual pupil advice is to go straight to employment, study a degree, apprenticeships or other vocational pathway, schools face the challenge of providing independent careers guidance in an impartial and consistent way to pupils but without the national support network and finances that existed in the past.
We understand this is a big challenge for all schools. How can teachers demonstrate the opportunities out there across a variety of industries and professions? What benefit are there in choosing an alternative qualification at those all-important option meetings? Well, while it’s just a small piece of the careers advice jigsaw, we’ve put together a series of career cards to help pupils looking to make the right choices for themselves. The handy and free to download V Cert Career Cards are designed to support individual and classroom based careers advice sessions.
From Art and Design to Computer Technology, the V Cert Career cards can be used during parent evenings and Key Stage 4 options meetings. Each career card is packed full of useful information about the subject’s sector and there are lots of handy web resource links on there too. The cards include information about Level 3 qualifications and progression routes plus they each outline a wide range of possible job roles.
For more information on the V Cert career cards or any of our other resources and qualifications for schools then please visit our V Certs pages or call 0191 239 8000.
