CBI slams careers advice provision

BUSINESS group CBI has slammed the provision of careers advice, amid continuing concern over youth unemployment.

The organisation cites survey data, which it says shows 92% of young people in the region are not getting the careers information they need.

The nationwide survey of 2,000 14-25 year olds, conducted using the LifeSkills Youth Barometer, revealed that 92% of young people in the North West felt they were not provided with all the information they need to make informed choices on their future career.
 
Many of those surveyed had received guidance on more traditional routes, A-Level choices (63%) and university (65%), but only 27% had information on starting an apprenticeship and even fewer (20%) on what vocational qualifications might be available.

CBI regional director Damian Waters, said: “The quality of careers advice in England’s schools remains in severe crisis. For 92 out of 100 young people in the North West to not feel in possession of the facts they need to make informed choices about their future is a damning indictment.

“These are some of the biggest decisions young people will ever have to take and they deserve reliable, relevant, inspirational and high-quality careers advice.

“It’s worrying when young people now have tough decisions to make in light of university fees and the growing range of high-quality vocational routes.”

Across the UK, the survey also revealed a split along gender lines with differences in the careers advice young men and women receive:
•    30% of young men receive advice on starting an apprenticeship (only 23% of young women)
•    65% of women receive guidance on A-Level choices and 69% on going to university, compared with 58% and 60% of men respectively.