CAREERS NEWS
IN BRIEF
A round-up of news and resources for careers leaders and students in secondary schools
Careers : the biggest generational challenge
Almost three-quarters ( 73 %) of generation Z see their future
career opportunities and employability as one of the biggest challenges they currently face and 89 % see it as the biggest generational challenge .
These are the findings of Samsung ’ s Compassion Nation Report , based on a survey of 2,000 18-to 25-year-olds , across the UK , about the issues that matter to them most . It was conducted as part of the tech giant ’ s
Not a School alternative educational programme , fronted by British rapper , singer and songwriter Lady Leshurr ( pictured above ), editor-in-chief of gal-dem Liv Little , and film-maker and climate activist Jack Harries .
The research shows that young people are looking for opportunities that match their values and passion to have a positive impact on the world . They value compassion highly and view technology as a tool to tackle social injustice , giving a voice to those who would ordinarily be unheard , and creating new opportunities and experiences .
This supports Samsung ’ s decision to take Not a School online this year , in light of COVID restrictions .
“ We hope to remove some of the physical barriers to access by allowing everyone — regardless of background or ability — the chance to create , collaborate and hone the practical skills needed to build a brilliant future , for themselves and their communities ,” explains Jessie Soohyun Park , head of corporate social responsibility at Samsung Electronics UK .
“ Despite the uncertainty 2020 has brought , there is a very clear beacon of hope ; this next generation of game changers is hungrier than ever to make a positive impact . It is our responsibility to create the opportunities that enable them .”
Find out more about Not a School on p20
68 % of young people don ’ t think school gave them the tools to succeed in life
57 say that accessing the same education
% and training opportunities as before the pandemic is a challenge for them personally
94 % say tech is allowing more
people to access education they couldn ’ t have accessed previously
93 believe that education is important for
% challenging inequalities , and that it ’ s possible to learn to be more compassionate
72 have educated themselves
% on social injustices and inequalities
SUPPORT FOR YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS
The disruption caused by COVID-19 is encouraging young
women to become more entrepreneurial , according to research conducted by Barclays LifeSkills .
More than half of women surveyed ( 51 %) said the coronavirus pandemic has made them want to start their own business , with entrepreneurial spirit strongest among younger generations . Of those who want to start a business in the next five years , almost three-quarters of women aged 16-34 ( 74 %) said that COVID-19 has made them want to start up on their own more .
Barclays LifeSkills has pledged to support the next generation of business owners with the skills they need to turn their plans into action and take steps towards being a successful entrepreneur . This includes engaging with secondary schools and all-girls schools across the UK , to highlight and share useful content , including steps to developing and starting a business .
Join the Green Industrial Revolution
Young people aged 11-plus are invited to take part in
Speakers for Schools ’
Green Skills Week , introducing them to sector leaders and potential employers within green technology and finance .
Taking place in April 2021 , the initiative is part of the charity ’ s campaign to support the government ’ s
Green Industrial Revolution , while helping to tackle the unemployment crisis , and future proofing the next generation in a post-COVID economy .
The campaign will kickstart with a series of virtual talks by leaders from key industries in the 10-point plan , ranging from science and nature to construction , technology , travel and public policy . During the Easter holiday , young people will attend virtual insight days , take part in work experience placements and explore pathways from professionals in industries such as electric vehicle manufacturing , agroforestry , advanced fuels and nuclear energy .
In light of
the Lifetime Skills Guarantee , Speakers for Schools is also partnering with universities , colleges and apprenticeship providers to run virtual information days on the relevant progression opportunities within the green economy .
RESOURCE OF THE MONTH
Developed by the Stephen Lawrence Charitable Trust , We all have the power to make a difference helps students to learn and make sense of this year ’ s Black Lives Matter protests . It covers some of the key issues in the news , with links to further resources to support conversations and learning . It can be used by students on their own or guided by a teacher , parent or carer .
STUDENT RESOURCE
STUDENT RESOURCE
Radiolab ’ s podcast challenges preconceived notions about how the world works , breaking down scientific concepts to make them accessible . Recent episodes discuss the concept of human challenge trials for vaccines ( if someone asked you to get infected with the COVID-19 virus , deliberately , to speed up the development of a vaccine , would you do it ?) and the strange power of lying to yourself .
RECOMMENDED PODCAST
RECOMMENDED BOOK
Entrepreneurial women have always existed ; ( Sandi ) Toksvig ’ s Almanac 2021 introduces us to females of note , from pirate nuns to pioneering civil rights activists , doctors to dancing girls and artists to astronauts , commemorating women from all around the world who were pushed to the margins of historical record .
STUDENT RESOURCE