Collaborating with businesses is key to improving careers education, information, advice and guidance (CEIAG) in colleges, a new report by the National Foundation for Educational Research (NFER) and London Councils suggests.
The report, entitled Shaping a Successful Careers Offer for all Young Londoners, says that providers should adopt a “whole-college approach” to careers advice, and involve employers in their students’ educations “at whatever level and in whatever way [that] suits them”.
The report, which reviewed five schools and colleges in London, also suggests that colleges use a programme of continuous professional development that provides staff with a good understanding of careers advice.
Other recommendations in the report include ensuring young people are given “meaningful learning experiences about the world of work” by linking up with employers, engaging in careers strategies within and between institutions, and encouraging employers to become involved in students’ educations “at whatever level”.
“Employers’ input into the education of young people and the development of young people’s skills for the workplace is vital to the UK’s industrial strategy and productivity,” the report reads.
‘Raising aspirations and motivation’
Councillor Peter John, deputy chair of London Councils and executive member for business, skills and Brexit, said: “With youth unemployment in the capital at 9 per cent we know that more can be done to ensure our young people are well-equipped for their future careers. NFER’s report reinforces the importance of London schools, colleges and businesses working together to deliver a successful careers offer for all young Londoners.
“It is encouraging that young Londoners are already starting to reap the rewards of schools and colleges working more closely with businesses. They can do more by signing up to the London Ambitions Portal, a website that links schools and colleges with local businesses, as well as getting further inspiration from the London Ambitions Careers Curriculum.”
Author Tami McCrone, senior research manager at NFER, said: “The schools and colleges we spoke to have already made significant steps in providing a high-quality CEIAG programme for their students. This report emphasises that giving CEIAG a priority in schools and colleges is important in raising aspirations and motivation in young people to succeed in the world of work.”
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