Nearly half of UK employees given bad careers advice
19 September 2014
Most careers advice on offer is aimed at adults rather than young people with apprenticeships and vocational qualifications often overlooked, says a new report by the UK’s National Careers Council.
Fri, 19 Sep 2014Most careers advice on offer is aimed at adults rather than young people with apprenticeships and vocational qualifications often overlooked, says a new report by the UK’s National Careers Council.
The report, supported by food giant Nestlé, was welcomed by the UK Commission for Employment and Skills (UKCES) whose chief executive, Fiona Kendrick, is a commissioner.
“UKCES research shows almost half (48%) of UK employers have staff who are not making full use of their skills,” said Kendrick. “Poor careers advice exacerbates this situation, and risks more young people being caught in careers where they fail to maximise their talents.
“A lack of advice on differing career pathways is also a significant problem, with vocational routes into work – such as apprenticeships and vocational qualifications – often being overlooked when young people are making such important decisions.”
The report, ‘Taking action: Achieving a culture change in careers provision’, is based on research from a range of different organisations including CBI, IPPR and the British Youth Council.
Among the recommendations in the report is a call for improving the transition to work from school for young people, an issue Kendrick highlighted earlier this year.
Earlier in the year, Recruiter raised the issue of how the industry can help school students with their career choices and employability in August 2014's issue.
The report, supported by food giant Nestlé, was welcomed by the UK Commission for Employment and Skills (UKCES) whose chief executive, Fiona Kendrick, is a commissioner.
“UKCES research shows almost half (48%) of UK employers have staff who are not making full use of their skills,” said Kendrick. “Poor careers advice exacerbates this situation, and risks more young people being caught in careers where they fail to maximise their talents.
“A lack of advice on differing career pathways is also a significant problem, with vocational routes into work – such as apprenticeships and vocational qualifications – often being overlooked when young people are making such important decisions.”
The report, ‘Taking action: Achieving a culture change in careers provision’, is based on research from a range of different organisations including CBI, IPPR and the British Youth Council.
Among the recommendations in the report is a call for improving the transition to work from school for young people, an issue Kendrick highlighted earlier this year.
Earlier in the year, Recruiter raised the issue of how the industry can help school students with their career choices and employability in August 2014's issue.
