Reflections on a forthcoming Careers Strategy

Hughes, D. (2017) Reflections on a forthcoming Careers Strategy, London: FE News, 31st November 2017

Education and training routes continue to rapidly expand and labour markets are becoming more complex for young people, teachers and parents. It can be daunting to fully understand the myriad of options post-14 and to be well prepared for career decision making from an early age. This article was published prior to the Government’s Careers Strategy (December 2017). It contains some reflections on past, present and future. For example:  Will the careers strategy begin with a primary school focus? Research evidence shows many children eliminate certain careers by a young age. There is a growing need for more young people to have first-hand labour market insights. The idea of 100 hours experience of the world of work, in some form, by the time young people reach the age of 16 – starting in primary schools – has been adopted in Cornwall and London, as well as in many other areas such as the Black Country. This includes career insights from industry experts, work tasters, coaching, mentoring, enterprise activities, part-time work, work shadowing, work experience/supported work experience and other relevant activities.

Skills and innovation are at the heart of our nation’s future growth. So too, should be greater emphasis on supporting young people and adults to have access to independent and impartial professional career education, information, advice and guidance.

https://www.fenews.co.uk/featured-article/15456-reflections-on-a-forthcoming-careers-strategy