14-19 year olds expect to work in multiple jobs and industries over the course of their careers
More than a third of young people expect to have at least five jobs in their lifetime, with 75% believing that long term employment with one company is a thing of the past.
The new research of more than 1000 14-19 year olds currently in education, reveals that one in seven expect to work in at least four industries and that an unstable job market will force them to change roles regularly.
Although more than nine in ten of those asked agree that it is important to learn a skill whilst in education or when you first start working, only a third have decided on their career path and know how to get there. In fact, less than 30% say they based their subject choices on their career aspirations.
Luke Johnson, Chairman of the Career Colleges Trust who commissioned the research, says: “We have known for some time that young people are not given enough careers education to help them make informed choices about their many options.
“Our research highlights that young people are no longer thinking about a long-term career within one industry and feel they will be forced to move jobs and indeed industries as a result of an uncertain job market.
“We are keen to highlight to the next generation that there are many industries offering exciting career paths, with many job opportunities at all levels. Skills gaps are growing and employers like myself are finding it more of a challenge than ever to recruit a skilled workforce.
“We need to ensure that young people are aware of the expanding industries in which many jobs will be available over the next 10-20 years – such as digital, construction, healthcare, hospitality and many more. High quality educational pathways must also be available to provide people with the support and guidance to acquire the employment and life skills needed to succeed in their chosen career.”
Other highlights from the research include:
When respondents secure their first job, one in ten expect to stay in it for only a year and a third less than two years.
A quarter of those young people asked believe the job market isn’t as stable as it used to be, meaning they will be forced to change jobs regularly.
While more than half believe you can get paid more by sticking with one job and working your way up, three quarters believe long term employment with one company was more commonplace in previous decades, and has now become a thing of the past.
One in ten don’t think they got the necessary guidance early on in life to guide them in the right direction and choose the right job, while a similar number feel that they wander through their studies with little end purpose.
This research coincides with the announcement that five new Career College will be opening their doors in September 2016. These will bring the total number of Career Colleges to 12, specializing in a range of subjects, linked to local skills needs and demand.
Career Colleges were launched by Lord Baker in October 2013. These are employer-led institutions that provide 14-19 year olds with career-focused education, preparing them for work.
Former Education Secretary and Founder and Trustee of the Career Colleges Trust, Lord Baker, says:
“I am delighted to see the Career Colleges network expanding. Employer-led education is key to addressing this county’s growing skills gaps and provides young people with the chance to get a head start in a fulfilling career.
“We need to ensure our youngsters get better careers advice at an earlier age, and have access to innovative educational pathways like Career Colleges, to prepare them for employment.”