According to a new report, Life as a professional , by the Chartered Management Institute, only half of 14-24-years-olds receive any formal career advice, causing many to have low career aspirations.
The report is based on a survey of 2,448 young people and their parents. It found that 86% of parents are happy to give careers advice to their children. Of those who aren’t, the majority are hesitant because they don’t feel that they know enough. Additionally, parents from lower socio-economic groups are generally less likely to give their children advice.
CMI director of strategy Petra Wilton said that in education, employability needs to be made a priority “so young people know what’s needed for a professional career and have the information they need to make the right choices about their studies.”
Professions Week chair Sarah Hathaway said: “Professional bodies can help by providing accurate information for careers advisers and online sources, however there is a need for a co-ordinating role between individual advisers, their schools and colleges, professional bodies and employers.”