A new study has revealed that 58% of parents don’t fully understand the range of qualifications available to young people, with some careers going under the radar
Parents have confessed that they were unaware that careers such as veterinary nursing and aerospace engineering could be accessed through apprenticeships.
A survey of 2,000 parents with children aged 11-18 in state and non-fee paying schools in England revealed that 58% do not fully comprehend the variety of qualifications available to youngsters today.
Despite many being familiar with the concept of apprenticeships, the study underscored a lack of understanding about the opportunities they can provide.
A quarter believed apprenticeships are generally low-paid, while 9% worried they might restrict future career flexibility. They were unaware that an apprenticeship could lead to a career as a paralegal, veterinary nurse or even a paramedic.
Given these findings, it’s hardly surprising that 61% feel ill-equipped to advise their children on educational choices.
The research was commissioned by Talking Futures, which has produced an online video featuring actress Denise Van Outen to highlight how parents’ preconceived ideas and past experiences of the education system could limit their child’s future options.
Denise Van Outen revealed: “I’ve been having lots of conversations recently with my daughter, who is 14, about what she might like to do in the future and the best routes to getting there. And I have to admit, it can feel really overwhelming knowing how to guide her.”
She went on to explain: “From my experience when I was at school, it didn’t seem like there were as many pathways – it was quite linear and you just sort of ‘fell into’ a career, without taking the time to think about the full range of options available.”
“There are great quality options available to kids today; it’s just a case of knowing how best to help your kids to navigate what’s right for them.”
Less than a third of parents now believe a university degree is the only route to success in a future career. With 40% viewing apprenticeships as a fantastic alternative.
Michelle Rea, spokesperson for Talking Futures, which is run by The Gatsby Charitable Foundation, commented: “Denise does a brilliant job in this short film of demonstrating the importance of parents not letting their own experiences of school have a negative impact on how they support their child’s education decisions.”
“Today’s new research shines a light on that feeling of overwhelm some parents can have as they get to grips with the education options open to their teens.”
“Yes, some things are different from when we were at school, but there is information out there to help – parents just need to know where to look.”
“We have lots of resources and support that we hope will build parents’ confidence in having education and career conversations with their kids by getting them up to speed on what options are available today.”
