Why building connections are important
Young people and their parents want to understand their pathway options beyond school. They want to find out more about the diverse range of jobs available before making decisions about further study or employment. When schools engage with employers, it creates opportunities for this to happen.
Young people can learn about the world of work by meeting and talking with employers before they leave school. This includes exploring careers that exist in different industries, what employers expect of them, or how you start your own business.
Many of the jobs young people will have in the future have not been created yet. Connecting with employers helps young people understand the experiences and employability skills that are valued now and will be valuable in a fast-changing world.
We know that:
Young people’s employment expectations and ambitions develop very early. The work children are interested in at age seven is reflected in the subjects they choose at secondary school, and again in the jobs they pursue when entering training, education or the workforce at 17.
Multiple positive connections (a minimum of four) with employers is vital for opening young people’s eyes to the world of work.
The process of applying for jobs and planning their futures is strengthened when young people better understand what employers are looking for.
Engagement with employers helps young people understand the world of work and employability skills they might need for success.
We know that:
We also know there is a gap:
There is a gap between what employers expect
We also know there is a gap between what employers expect from young people going into the world of work and what young people think it is going to be like.
This gap can be demotivating for young people and frustrating for employers.
Young people need support to make informed choices about their future pathways. This can only happen when they are able to learn about what the world of work looks like.
Young people and employers recognise they need to bridge the gap but need information and support for this to happen.
Parents have an important role to play in supporting their young people think about the world of work.
Schools can provide opportunities to make connections by working with employers and parents.
Content taken from Auckland Employer Engagement Toolkit