Poor careers provisions harming the economy

A newly published Ofsted report has revealed that poor careers provision in schools is harming the economy. As it is revealed that the percentage of 16-24 year olds who are unemployed has risen to 11.9% from 11.7% in the previous quarter, it is suggested that inadequate careers guidance is a contributing factor.

Leaving school with little knowledge of the range of careers they could pursue, how to write a CV or what to expect from an interview, many young people are struggling to find employment. The report recommends that schools “develop stronger links with business by using local networks provided by, for example, the chambers of commerce and LEPs, and set clear objectives for the intended outcomes of these partnerships” to assist with schools careers guidance.

23% of businesses surveyed for the report cited “too much school administration” as a reason they were not working with schools. Both schools and employers also targeted cost as a reason they would not participate in careers provision on a level that students clearly need.

Programmes such as Inspiring the Future are key to bridging this gap that is leaving young people facing unemployment. Connecting schools and colleges with volunteers, institutions are able to take careers guidance into their own hands and provide their students with the information they need to help them take important steps towards their futures. This is even more important for students from disadvantaged backgrounds who have few working role models. Furthermore, a fully functioning model that is free to use encourages businesses that would otherwise shy away from engaging with schools to make themselves available to help young people.

Moreover, whilst the report found that 68% of schools were providing sufficient advice about apprenticeships, this is accompanied by a divergent practice of recommending vocational routes to lower performing students. With support from the Skills Funding Agency, we are helping to inform students about the benefits of a vocational route for students of all abilities. Apprenticeships are now available up to degree level and are integral to the work economy.

In the wake of this report we invite schools to make use of our free to use service and connect with working professionals. From careers insights, subject masterclasses, mock interviews, CV workshops and more, there are lots of amazing way for our volunteers to help your students prepare for the world of work.

Watch a short clip of the report author presenting  the research that informed the report from our 2016 Research Conference

Schools looking for volunteers or those eager to volunteer can register for free on our website: www.inspiringthefuture.org

To read the full report visit the Ofsted website: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/571809/Getting_ready_for_work.pdf