Opening the School Gates
Can you afford not to talk to over 10 million potential future employees?
Schools have traditionally been the start of a journey to a career that most committed to for life. Some went straight in from school, others went to college and/or University. Whichever way, the path was pretty clear.
However, things are changing, and young people no longer see themselves as ‘lifers’ in a job or career, with research suggesting that Gen Z will move careers, not just jobs, 4 or 5 times throughout their lives. The options really are endless, with new industries and associated roles seemingly being created daily. Students can now bypass the financially crippling University route and undertake a paid apprenticeship starting as young as 16. Many big corporate players are offering degree level apprenticeships to entice the talent of tomorrow.
One of the big economic issues in the UK is that of widening skills gaps and shortages. There are not enough new entrants to the job markets and those who are already employed are not developing requisite skills quickly enough. The consequence is increasing entry level vacancies not being filled and a generation of middle management that does not have the requisite professional attributes to lead and grow teams (due to forced, overly rapid promotion).
So, what is the answer?
Attract talent early, really early, while they are at school and make it easy for them to understand what they need to do. For far too long education and industry have mutedly stared at each other, silently blaming the other for a lack of understanding of what was needed to ensure that young people are employable and start jobs with the right knowledge, skills and most importantly attitudes.
There is a problem - sorry!
The vast majority of students won’t have a clue what your industry, business, or job entails. In a recent survey we conducted, over 2/3 students didn’t know the difference between a job and a career, with 31% having not received any careers advice and guidance before they choose their defining GCSE options. They also stated that is it hard to find guidance that is relevant for them and their situation. They don't know who to ask for careers guidance and say that most careers guidance is/looks boring. Most will turn to social media before anyone or anything else. Heard of #careertok?
In their defence schools are struggling with increasing workload and responsibility. 48% of schools only have 1 member of staff trained to give careers advice with little or no time to prepare, hence they are mainly reactive to student’s needs.
Add to this the fact that school funding is under huge pressure, staff recruitment is in crisis and academic outcomes still trump personal development for inspectors then you can see how a local business knocking on the door doesn’t necessarily rank as a high priority.
So, if students are uninspired, don’t know where to look and there aren’t enough well- resourced teachers to help guide them, what can you do about it?
Get through the school gates
There are so many opportunities to engage directly with young people at school. The trouble is that it is difficult to connect with the right people to get through the door and when you do you are faced with students you have no idea how to talk to.
YECCO and its partners have years of practical experience in getting people through the door and helping them craft their approach to have long lasting impact.
Why not give us a call today to see how we can help you start attracting the talent of tomorrow?