Supporting your child
When it comes to jobs and careers, young people are likely to have less security but arguably more choice, contribute to an economy that has changed from industry-based to services-based in recent decades and meet the challenges of the impact of technology.
While this may be different to your experience when leaving school, it brings a whole host of new opportunities. Encourage your child to think about the future by talking about their education and the options that lie ahead. We’ve pulled together some things you might like to consider covering as you talk.
What support is available at school?
Don’t be hesitant in asking what support is available at school or college for your son or daughter. Find out:
- Is there a careers education programme?
- Is there face-to-face careers guidance for students, and if so, when does this occur?
- Do students have access to impartial information and advice on a broad range of options, including apprenticeships and vocational routes as well as further study and university?
- Will your child have work experience or placement opportunities with local employers?
- Will employers visit and talk to students?
- Is there individual mentoring and support for those who need it?
- How can students access information about choices and jobs, and what training is available in researching these options?
- Does the school work to avoid stereotyping, ensuring both girls and boys receive information on the widest possible range of careers?
Consider your own experiences
Children are influenced by us but they are their own people and it’s important to recognise this. It will be obvious which subjects most engage your child, and talking to them about how they might apply their knowledge to future careers is a great way to help them connect their school work to their potential as an adult. If you have a family friend, colleague or relative who works in an industry your child is interested in, ask them to chat to your child about it — most people are more than happy to help.
Work experience
Your child’s school may well organise some work experience, but there’s no reason why you can’t explore the options too. Gaining a bit of insight into a particular field is a great way for young people to either develop a greater interest in that career or help them realise it’s not for them. Either way, the experience of being in the workplace is invaluable.
Applying for places can also be a constructive experience. Help your child to research places they might like to approach and how to draft an introductory email or letter.
Keep an open mind
Many parents expect that their child will follow a particular route but this may not be in the best interests of every child, and there are an increasing number of options available for post-16 study. You can find out more about the options here.
Remember it’s not final
The old days of a “job for life” are diminishing and people apply their skill sets in a variety of positions throughout their working life. Reassure your child that the decisions they make now don’t have to dictate their whole working life and that it is possible to retrain and change careers.
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Careers advice and careers guidance should go hand in hand as both bring enormous benefits. -
There is plenty of advice for young people as they embark on the first steps of their career journey, and we’ve rounded it up here. -
Thinking about choosing a ‘career’ can feel like a huge decision and while some young people may know exactly which direction they want to take, many are still trying to find their vocation well into their 20s or even 30s.
