New research finds patchy careers educations across UK

More than a third of secondary school pupils don’t feel confident in taking their next steps in education and training, according to new research by the Sutton Trust.

Previous studies have highlighted a postcode lottery of careers advice across the country. Since then, the government has set targets for schools built on the Gatsby benchmarks for good careers guidance and established the Careers and Enterprise Company.

The latest Sutton Trust report finds that while progress has been made, there is still variation across schools, with gaps identified between state schools with more and less deprived intakes, and between state and private schools.

Teachers and pupils were asked about the careers activities on offer at their school, including sessions with careers advisers, employer talks and trips to careers fairs. However, 36 per cent of students said that they had not taken part in any of the activities listed, with state school pupils more likely to say this as those in private schools.

Schools in more deprived areas are also less likely to have access to a specialist careers adviser, with 21 per cent of teachers in the most deprived areas reporting non-specialists delivered personal guidance, compared to 14 per cent in more affluent areas.  

On the topic of guidance given to students on academic and technical routes, the Sutton Trust reports that 46 per cent of 17- and 18-year olds say they have received a ‘large amount’ of information on university routes during their education, compared to just 10 per cent who say the same for apprenticeships.  

Work experience placements are a key part of this and offer young people important insights into the world of work. Despite this, less than a third of 17- and 18-year-olds have completed work experience. The Sutton Trust is recommending that all pupils have access to work experience between the ages of 14 and 16.

James Turner, chief executive of the Sutton Trust, said: “All young people – whatever school they go to and wherever they live in the country – must have access to high-quality support to help them in their journeys through education and work.

“As the government looks to make further changes to the qualifications and funding landscape, it is more important than ever that young people have the information, advice and guidance that they need to feel confident in their next steps. The government must urgently develop a new national strategy on careers education and all schools, especially those serving the poorest communities, should be supported to offer the highest-quality provision.”  

Kevin Bentley, chairman of the Local Government Association’s People and Places Board, said: “Councils want to ensure every young person realises their full potential. Without action to address our fragmented national employment support system, we risk creating a lost generation of young people. It is vital that young people have the opportunities to pursue their chosen career path and no-one is left behind. This means providing the right, independent careers advice and guidance, to ensure every young person receives objective, impartial advice and finds the route that best suits them.

“Local government is ideally placed to lead on this, using councils’ unique knowledge of their labour markets and relationship with local businesses. Young people need to know their local options and devolving careers advice, post-16 and skills budgets and powers to local areas, would allow councils, schools, colleges and employers to work together to improve their offer to help give every young person the best start in life.”