CAREERS NEWS
IN BRIEF
A round-up of news and resources for careers leaders and students in secondary schools
Young people are prioritising their careers — but putting plans on hold
More than 40 % of the UK ’ s 16- to 24-year-olds intend to put their career or education plans on hold until the COVID pandemic is over , according to a survey by BAE Systems .
While half of young people are now placing more importance on their career as a result of COVID ( and the toughest job market since the 2008 recession ), 21 % say that they are more confused than ever about their path , with 20 % stating that the industry they want to work in has been deeply impacted .
Almost two thirds ( 63 %) of respondents said they would consider an apprenticeship , of which 41 % cited gaining experience in the working world as a key driver .
When asked what matters most to them in a career , 31 % of young people said continuous learning and the ability to develop their skill set is an important factor . Wanting to earn a good salary ( 41 %) topped the list ; however , jobs that provide stability and routine ( 30 %) and a career that is future-proofed ( 25 %) are significant draws .
In terms of the skills young people think will be most important to support their long-term career plans , ‘ soft ’ skills rank among the highest , including communication ( 35 %), problem solving ( 31 %) and teamwork ( 30 %).
THE TOP SEVEN INDUSTRIES FOR LONG-TERM CAREER OPPORTUNITIES , AS PERCEIVED BY YOUNG PEOPLE :
HEALTHCARE
31 %
EDUCATION
20 %
FINANCE
14 %
TECHNOLOGY & DIGITAL
13 %
ENGINEERING
13 %
IT
11 %
SCIENCE
11 %
ENCOURAGE YOUNG PEOPLE TO EXPRESS THEMSELVES
Last month ’ s Children ’ s Mental Health Week ( 1-7 February ) encouraged young people to express their feelings through creativity ( such as writing , art , photography or dancing ) or doing other activities that make them feel good .
While deteriorating mental health among young people was recognised well before the COVID-19 pandemic , this has been exacerbated by the virus ’ impact and restrictions , affecting learning , motivation and hopes for the future .
Associated resources range from free virtual sessions , in partnership with BAFTA Kids and Oak National Academy , to assembly guides and class activities . All can be adapted for use in school , for home-schooling , online lessons or independent learning .
Association of Apprentices launched to support work-based trainees
A
not-for-profit Association of Apprentices — designed for apprentices by apprentices — has launched to help boost the number of work-based trainees staying on and completing their course . It gives apprentices access to information , advice and guidance about their programme — including what to do in events where their provider closes down or if they have been made redundant — and will put on social events to enable apprentices to network .
Founding partners include the BBC , Health Education England , Royal Mail and Salesforce .
YOUTH CARD TO HELP TACKLE SOCIAL MOBILITY AND EDUCATIONAL INEQUALITY
Young people in Birmingham and Solihull will be the first in the UK to have access to thousands of virtual work experience , volunteering , learning , and entrepreneurship opportunities , as part of a pilot scheme being launched by education charity Speakers for Schools .
The Youth Card App features a digital card which unlocks a database of placements offered by local businesses , plus perks and discounts on health , retail , food and drink , education and travel . Ahead of the national rollout , Speakers for Schools is working with the Greater Birmingham and Solihull LEP to trial the initiative . Schools are invited to register interest in the Youth Card via the charity ’ s website .
Old Vic Eucation Hub
RESOURCE OF THE MONTH
With theatres closed during COVID , London ’ s Old Vic has created an education hub as a free resource for teachers , parents and young creatives of the future wanting to learn new skills . It includes ‘ inside guides ’ to playwriting and directing , advice on theatre careers , workshops and teacher resource packs , containing exclusive interviews , photographs and production insights for specific productions .
Grief Support for Young People
Designed by young people for charity Child Bereavement UK , this app ( available free on IOS and Android ) is for 11- to 25-year-olds who have lost a loved one , but can also be used by friends , teachers , parents and professionals who would like to know how to support bereaved young people .
RECOMMENDED APP
RECOMMENDED LESSON PLAN
Met Office : Amazing aurora
Space weather helps to produce amazing auroras in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres , and leads to other impacts that could affect our day-to-day lives . Explore the aurora through the eyes of different cultures , using their folklore to create your own stories about space weather and its impacts ( for ages 11-14 ).
STUDENT RESOURCE