**Parents Confess Lack of Career Knowledge for Their Children**
A recent study has uncovered a concerning trend among parents in England who admit to being unaware of the various career pathways available to their children. The research, which surveyed 2,000 parents with children aged 11-18 in both state and non-fee paying schools, revealed that a significant 58 per cent lack a comprehensive understanding of the diverse qualifications accessible to today’s youth.
While many parents are familiar with the concept of apprenticeships, the study highlighted a lack of awareness regarding the potential opportunities they offer. Surprisingly, over a quarter of parents believed that apprenticeships were generally low-paying, with 9 per cent expressing concerns that such pathways could limit future career flexibility.
This lack of understanding has left 61 per cent of parents feeling ill-equipped to guide their children in making educational choices, as they fear that their limited knowledge of current education and career options may hinder their children’s prospects.
The study was commissioned by Talking Futures, an initiative that aims to provide support and information to parents navigating the complex landscape of modern education and career choices. As part of their effort, they have produced an online video featuring actress Denise Van Outen to address these concerns and shed light on the importance of being informed about the evolving educational landscape.
Denise Van Outen shared her own experiences, stating, “I’ve been having lots of conversations recently with my daughter, who is 14, about what she might like to do in the future and the best routes to getting there. And I have to admit, it can feel really overwhelming knowing how to guide her.”
The research also revealed a shift in parental perceptions, with less than a third now viewing a university degree as the only path to success in a future career. Instead, 40 per cent recognise apprenticeships as a valuable alternative, providing practical work experience alongside education.
Michelle Rea, a spokesperson for Talking Futures, expressed the importance of parents not letting their own past experiences of education cloud their judgement when supporting their children’s decisions. She stated, “Today’s new research shines a light on that feeling of overwhelm some parents can have as they get to grips with the education options open to their teens.”
With resources and support available to assist parents in gaining a better understanding of the current educational landscape, Talking Futures aims to boost parents’ confidence in navigating educational and career discussions with their children effectively.
In a rapidly changing job market, it is crucial for parents to stay informed and equipped to guide their children towards a successful and fulfilling career path. By empowering parents with knowledge and resources, initiatives like Talking Futures are making strides towards helping families make informed decisions about their children’s futures.