Today, 18th May 2023 Education and Employers gave evidence to the House of Lords Select Committee inquiry on ‘Education for 11 to 16 Year Olds’. The Committee chaired by Lord Jo Johnson of Marylebone is examining education with reference to the skills necessary for the digital and green economy. The session focused on school/employer engagement, careers advice and guidance and work experience.
The Charity’s CEO Nick Chambers outlined some of the research the charity has done over the last 14 years examining the impact of work experience on young people. The research found that traditional work experience and career-related learning helped improve young people’s motivation, attainment, and confidence; helped with HE admissions, getting a job and clarifying career choices; and reduced the likelihood of them becoming NEET – Not in Education Employment or Training.
The Charity’s landmark research “It’s who you meet: why employer contacts at school make a difference to the employment prospects of young adults” published in 2012 forms part of the Government’s careers strategy and Gatsby Benchmarks. It was based on a survey undertaken pro-bono for the charity by YouGov which asked young adults aged 19-24 about their current employment status and to reflect on their experiences of the world of work whist they were at school. The findings were striking: 26.1% of young people who could recall no contact with employers whilst at school went on to become NEET. This reduced significantly to 4.3% for those who had taken part in four or more activities involving employers (career insights, mentoring, work tasters, work experience etc.)
To see a range of research reports specifically on work experience, click here.
The recording of the session can be found here and further information on the inquiry is available on the Committee’s website.
In January this year Education and Employers were asked to give evidence to the House of Commons Education Select Committee inquiry into the effectiveness of the careers advice given to students – details can be found here.