Chaotic careers education!?

On the day of our conference where we spent our time looking at all of the good in the world of youth employment the BBC published an article about the impact of poor quality careers education.

The article (which you can read here) leads with this statement –

“Chaotic careers education in England’s schools could jeopardise the UK’s future economic prosperity, says education watchdog Ofsted. Lack of an “overarching government strategy” means a generation is leaving school unready for work, it argues. The UK’s post-Brexit success depends on harnessing “home-grown talent”, says chief inspector Sir Michael Wilshaw.”

Youth unemployment has many causes, poor quality careers support is certainly one of them. YEUK has consistently challenged the government policy on careers education, we know from the thousands of young people in our network that lack of careers inspiration and information is a real barrier to employment for many young people .

We have recently met with some of the Department for Education team working on the careers agenda and know that there is a focus right now on getting something meaningful in place.

The risk is the time it takes to deliver a national strategy and see it embedded so that every young person can benefit from it. Careers education has not really had a golden era and over the last 5 years it has been a regular topic for debate. Numerous reports have been done, including our own in 2015, and too many meetings and debates to count, yet to what end? The government has invested in the Careers and Enterprise Company and in the Work Coach programme, on top of that there are literally hundreds of initiatives around the UK trying to have a positive impact on this vital area.

Yet still young people across the UK are being failed by the lack of meaningful strategy. Every year another cohort leaves education and their chances of having experienced the help they need to progress into employment are low.

The good news? The solutions are out there, there is evidence from experts like the Careers Development Institute, Gatsby Foundation, Deidre Hughes, London Councils and importantly the young people involved in organisations like YEUK know exactly what they need and want. We have all  put forward a plan of what good looks like. No wheels need to be reinvented. Now it is time for the government to take firm action, be clear in the expectations and ensure  the funding is in the right place so that every child gets the support they need. Lets not have a need to write this same blog in 5 years time.

  •  If you are an organisation that supports young people find out about joining our community so you can help us influence policy and best practice

This video highlights the impact good careers education can have on our young people. Thanks to Education and Employers Charity for the work they do to help young people.

Tagged in: , ,

Discover Youth Friendly Employers

Careers in Eyecare From healthcare lab to high street fashion - you don't need a degree to open your eyes to eyecare careers EXPLORE Get Into Teaching You can get a teaching degree for FREE with apprenticeships! EXPLORE The British Library Work experience, internships and apprenticeships with The British Library open up a WORLD of possibilities. EXPLORE IHG Early Careers Discover how you can grow your career in hospitality! EXPLORE Historic England Discover early careers in heritage for all backgrounds, skills and interests. EXPLORE Careers in Racing Horse racing is a great career choice! British Racing is the 2nd largest spectator sport after football. EXPLORE Generation: Free Skills Training Get FREE skills and careers training today! Generation gives you skills and connects you with employers to find a job fast. EXPLORE Aspiration Training Traineeships & Apprenticeships in childcare, dental nursing, teaching, health/social care, and business admin EXPLORE VHR Technical Recruitment The VHR talent academy can help you get into a successful technical recruitment career - with NO experience! EXPLORE Severn Trent Careers Discover opportunities for apprentices, graduates and undergraduates in the office and beyond! EXPLORE Royal Air Force There’s nothing like a career in the RAF, it’s not just a job but a way of living. EXPLORE ABP Foods Apprenticeships, graduate schemes and an AMAZING early careers academy in the world of sustainable food EXPLORE Surrey County Council Careers Thinking about rewarding apprenticeships and early careers in a diverse environment? Fire up your career with SCC! EXPLORE Environment Agency Careers Our work helps to protect and improve the environment to make it a better place for people and wildlife. Join us! EXPLORE Coach Core Apprenticeships See how Coach Core Apprenticeships get you into sport careers EXPLORE Working in local government Local government touches everyone's lives every day EXPLORE Essex Youth Service Aged 13-25 and live in Essex? Get involved in fun activities, The Duke of Edinburgh's Award and online Plan B Traineeships. EXPLORE Catch22 Youth Services Want to overcome barriers in life, whatever your background? Want employers to give you a chance? We can help. EXPLORE Coca-Cola EuroPacific Want to work for one of the most well-known brands in the world? They work hard to develop their young people! EXPLORE Haven Joining Haven is more than just a job. Our early careers are a breath of fresh air! EXPLORE Martin Brower Careers Break into business, admin and supply careers with Martin Brower. Don't settle for the status quo. EXPLORE McDonald's Early Careers You probably knew you can get McDonald's Apprenticeships. Did you know you can also study for a FREE Management Degree? EXPLORE NCFE Vocational Qualifications Young people get amazing perks when they work for the NCFE, with apprenticeships and more. The training is great, too. EXPLORE Pret Apprenticeships & Careers When you apply for a Pret Apprenticeship or junior role, you’ll belong to a community of achievers. Get support on your own unique career journey! EXPLORE Prezzo Restaurant Careers Prezzo offers so many early careers, from cooking great food and giving great customer service to managing like a boss! EXPLORE
Prezzo Restaurants
#GetIntoTeaching

Email us at info@youthemployment.org.uk or call 01536 513388.

Early careers strategy support

Youth Employment UK Membership is a strategic step for organisations of all sizes who want support and recognition for their commitment to creating quality early career opportunities in line with Good Youth Employment Standards.

Membership Contact Us

Already a Member?

   

As experts on youth employment and co-founders of the Youth Employment Group, we are ideally placed to understand the complex landscape facing young people, employers and policy makers.