Parents fear that children won’t find jobs
PARENTS FEAR CHILDREN WON’T FIND JOBS 9 OCTOBER 2015
New research released recently by the Baker Dearing Educational Trust shows that for two thirds (66%) of parents their biggest fear is that their child will not find a job when they leave education. Nearly half (48.1%) of parents said they felt stressed about their child’s education and 80% of parents believed the education system needed to change to reflect 21st century working Britain.
Baker Dearing Educational Trust, the charity that promotes University Technical Colleges (UTCs), surveyed over 1000 parents with teenagers at mainstream schools and, in a separate survey, 450 parents whose children attend UTCs.
The research reveals that parents who have children studying at UTCs feel more positive about their children’s prospects. Around three quarters (70%) said the UTC has made their child more confident in getting a job.
85% of parents believed the UTC was preparing their child for the world of work. This figure dropped to just 68% when the same question was asked of parents with children at mainstream schools. Added to this, three quarters (75.86%) of UTC parents believed their child knew what industry they want to work in compared with just half (53.8%) of parents with children in mainstream schools.
Bob Harrison, Principal and Chief Executive of Bucks UTC, commented:
“We’re not surprised at Bucks UTC to see the optimistic views of parents. 100% of our students left to go into education, apprenticeships or work. Our dedicated/applied curriculum and very low teacher to pupil ratio, means we can give the very best support to our students studying IT and Construction specialisms. This is backed up by our sponsors giving time and creating opportunities for our students to really experience the world of work.
Students join us knowing the industry they want to work in and leave as confident young people, with the right qualifications, and well equipped to enter the world of work due to our focus on work-ready skills. Indeed many in 2015 became employees of our partners and sponsors.”
The research showed that parents recognised the need for a more balanced education approach with three quarters (74.9%) saying their children should have the option of a combined technical and academic education at 14.
Nearly two thirds (64%) of mainstream school parents said they wanted a greater variety of choice in the type of school for their child and 69% said they wanted the option to select a technical education if it reflected their child’s talents.
But parents are confused about the options available to children. Although more than half (55.30%) of parents with children in mainstream schools felt well informed about academies, only 2 in 5 parents (41%) felt informed about University Technical Colleges. However, when UTCs were explained to them 86% of parents said they might consider a UTC for their child if there was one available in their area.
Lord Baker, Chairman of Baker Dearing Educational Trust, the charity behind UTCs, said:
“These findings highlight the importance parents place on their children’s education and whether it gives them the qualifications and experience they need to secure a job. Although it’s early days, UTCs are playing an important role to ensure children get the education they need for the 21st century workplace. This is valued a great deal by parents and I’m delighted that so many would consider a UTC education for their children.”
Peter Glover, Senior Manager at the UK Commission for Employment and Skills (UKCES), said:
“The youth unemployment rate is still much higher than the adult rate, and unemployment whilst young can seriously harm a young person’s future career.
“There are many jobs that offer positive career prospects for young people. Our Careers of the Future report highlighted opportunities in science, engineering and information technology, as well as in health and care, the education sector and construction, to name just a few examples. Young people need to consider how the available opportunities marry up with their own interests and abilities.”
Bucks UTC is running a series of open events for young people interested in a career in Construction or IT. For more information, visit www.aylesburyutc.co.uk/
Notes to editors
For media enquiries, quotes and interviews, contact:
Claire Winterflood on 07831 243004 or clairewinterfloodassociates@gmail.com
About the research
The research for the Baker Dearing Educational Trust was carried out online by OnePoll between 13 / 08 / 2015 and 01 / 9 / 2015 amongst a panel resulting in 1,000 parents of children aged 14-18 in state school education.
An additional survey was completed by 450 parents of children aged between 14-18 studying at a UTC. The survey was completed throughout July and August 2015.
About Baker Dearing Educational Trust
Baker Dearing Educational Trust was founded by Lord Baker and Lord Dearing to promote the concept of university technical colleges. It is a small, flexible organisation that sits at the centre of the UTC network and focuses on promoting and supporting new and existing UTCs.
About University Technical Colleges
- The UK needs advanced technical skills if we are to prosper in the 21st century. UTCs are teaching the inventors, engineers, scientists and technicians of tomorrow.
- UTCs are technical secondary schools for 14-18 year olds. They offer a broad curriculum that combines an academic education with technical and practical learning.
- UTCs use the latest equipment and technology to provide an environment where students can thrive and develop the skills employers need.
- The governing body of each UTC is controlled by local employers and a university
- 39 UTCs are open and there will be more than 55 by 2017. When fully operational there will be places for more than 37,000 students.
- More than 600 employers support UTCs including Rolls-Royce, Siemens, Network Rail and Microsoft, as well as scores of small and medium sized businesses. Together with nearly 50 universities they contribute their knowledge as well as offering opportunities to experience the world of work.
- Students leaving UTCs stay in full time study, start an apprenticeship, or get a job.
- More information about UTCs: www.utcolleges.org
