The new academic year has begun and it is encouraging to see students and teachers returning to classrooms after such a long time.

But as we look ahead, it’s clear that the legacy of Covid-19 will have a huge impact on our young people – particularly those who have not only had their exam results affected, but are now trying to decide on a viable career pathway.

The economy has taken a huge hit over the past few months and will continue to struggle as we enter the post-Covid recovery period. Yet the reality is that there are sectors in which the pandemic has created growth and many new, exciting opportunities, such as digital technology, healthcare and logistics to name a few.

Background: What do we need from the FE White Paper?

News: Can we avoid mass youth unemployment post-Covid?

The FE White Paper: What do sector leaders want it to say?

High-quality careers education

With this movement in the jobs market, now is the time to improve the nation’s access to high-quality careers education. We must ensure that young people and indeed older people whose jobs may have been lost in the pandemic have access to the right guidance and information.

Encouragingly, school and college leaders very much support this approach. In a report published by the Gatsby Foundation this week, almost three-quarters of the 389 respondents agreed that career guidance provision has become even more important during Covid-19. The research also revealed that the most deprived areas are more likely to recognise the increasing importance of careers education, which again is a positive finding.

With such a will to improve and expand careers education, the building blocks are hopefully in place to support some change. Skills minister Gillian Keegan announced in parliament this week that the government is providing an extra £32 million to the National Careers Service. This funding will be available until March 2022 and used to give personal careers guidance to over 250,000 people in priority groups, whose job or learning has been affected by Covid-19.

A new careers strategy is also being developed as part of (another) FE and skills reform and White Paper – which the government says will "include making sure that young people and adults have access to the independent advice and guidance they need to progress".  Now while I am not holding my breath (we’ve been here before, many times), the recognition of a need for more resources in a historically neglected area of education is certainly a step in the right direction.

Alongside this sentiment, we now need a genuine sea change in how we present and deliver careers education. Private investment is needed, with employers playing their part in securing a well-skilled workforce. An example of this is the network of Qdos Career Hubs, being developed by Manor Property Group. These are planned for areas that would benefit most, with strategic objectives to upskill, reduce unemployment and improve life choices for young people.

Physical careers hubs are crucial – young people need to make contact with "real" employers and get a feel for a working environment. Yet in the current climate, career education resources must also be provided virtually in a way that young people can easily access and engage with.

Manor understands the imperative and took swift action to develop the Qdos Careers app. From education route mapping to job market navigation, the app is supported by Careers England and the Careers Development Institute. Crucially, it helps offer informed choice, with impartial information. This is particularly important in our changing economy as parents/carers’ own experiences will not provide the insight now needed. Industries they once knew are changing and will continue to do so, with different opportunities constantly emerging.

Employer encounters

The new Gatsby report also pointed out that "work experience" is a concern for the upcoming year. With many placements being cancelled as a result of the pandemic, young people are missing out on the "employer encounters" that are so integral to successful progression. This is unfortunate and creative thinking is needed if we are to continue giving young people the employer contact they need. Employers offering interactive, mentored projects is one example; with Manor commissioning drone-hosted cameras to chart the build of career hubs and provide guided student challenges on design and build.

Some schools and colleges are working with employers to offer virtual placements, which is an important substitute right now. Virtual tours of workplaces and the setting of virtual project briefs are all part of the solution; helping young people to navigate our changing world, spot opportunities and get access to national and international employers. Manor has planned "large screen view" and streaming of Q&As with employers and young people, which will help demystify work places and industries that are unknown to school-age students.

Respondents of the Gatsby survey also said that they "would value a wide range of support including help accessing employers, funding for engagement activities, improved access to labour market information, platforms to share good practice and help with accessing apprenticeships". 

The fact is that employment has to be made a reality. There is no point providing clear information on study routes for jobs that barely exist – and sadly this is something that continues to happen.

Many careers databases provide objective information on qualifications needed for entry to various jobs, but don't link to labour market information. Details about where real jobs actually are and how accessible they are is often omitted – which can be misleading and confusing. What young people need is a clear line of sight to the employment opportunity.

Employers are undoubtedly key to growing apprenticeships and ensuring young people get exposure to the world of work. But in our challenging new world, we need to consider how this knowledge can be effectively communicated to ensure people from all backgrounds have the opportunity to make informed decisions and take control of their own future.

Ruth Gilbert is group education director, Manor Property Group