I have been lucky enough to work in many contrasting areas of London within different schools and colleges etc. This has allowed me to observe many different types of clients who have had many aspirations for their future. Most recently I myself have started a role which is a non careers adviser post. This has been quite a eye opener. Its made me realize something quite interesting though. Could that free education that students are entitled to after 16 up till their 19 be curse to some young people out there. I am not generalizing but just alone this week I have worked with two young people who said to me when I asked why they choose the course they doing say to me
'It was something to do, I had to choose something'
I am not blaming anyone here but what really concerns me is this isn't the first time I have met young people who have said similar things to me in my previous jobs. This free education they get is a blessing and many of them see of it as that. However it seems that many are not given a real chance to think about what they want to do after their gcses etc finish. In addition to this some people may require specialist help to identity where they want to go and how they can get there. Everyone has a right to plan for their future instead ending up on course just for the sake of it.
Many are not happy with the course they do but the option of getting a job is also bleak because they may not have adequate work experience either!!! I may sound like I am having a go at the system but as someone who is an adviser I am thinking about the number people who aren't given a fair opportunity to explore their future and as a result end up in a course that they don't enjoy.
Many are not happy with the course they do but the option of getting a job is also bleak because they may not have adequate work experience either!!! I may sound like I am having a go at the system but as someone who is an adviser I am thinking about the number people who aren't given a fair opportunity to explore their future and as a result end up in a course that they don't enjoy.
I am not advocating that careers advice is so wonderful everyone must have it. My point is that many of these young people are very capable and intelligent. A major factor missing from many of them is a lack of motivation because they are not always doing something they truly love That passion to succeed is being killed by a lack of motivation and a lack of interest.
From my observations many sixth form students are actually better off. The structure of school is still quite prominent there and students are encouraged to talk to staff who have specialized knowledge and can apply to ucas, jobs etc. It would be interesting to observe how many students from FE colleges are given the same level of support. Yes colleges are more relaxed and many lecturers don't feel it's their responsibility to handle this etc. However with such a bad market for youth employment shouldn't more FE staff be encouraged to at least help these young people think about their futures. Because if people are encouraged I see may young people adding value to youth unemployment and increasing employment rates.
I am not saying free education is a bad thing it is something which many people are grateful for but in time where education and lack of employment ring together the need for choosing a suitable post 16 route for young people is more important then ever. Just having a qualification for someone with a structure in place i.e they know their next route whether it be university a job etc is great. However many don't know their destination and if we as a nation want to support people we need do help them realise their ambitions.
From my observations many sixth form students are actually better off. The structure of school is still quite prominent there and students are encouraged to talk to staff who have specialized knowledge and can apply to ucas, jobs etc. It would be interesting to observe how many students from FE colleges are given the same level of support. Yes colleges are more relaxed and many lecturers don't feel it's their responsibility to handle this etc. However with such a bad market for youth employment shouldn't more FE staff be encouraged to at least help these young people think about their futures. Because if people are encouraged I see may young people adding value to youth unemployment and increasing employment rates.
I am not saying free education is a bad thing it is something which many people are grateful for but in time where education and lack of employment ring together the need for choosing a suitable post 16 route for young people is more important then ever. Just having a qualification for someone with a structure in place i.e they know their next route whether it be university a job etc is great. However many don't know their destination and if we as a nation want to support people we need do help them realise their ambitions.
