Early Careers Specialist working with optical and healthcare business leaders to build their talent pipelines | Founder @Into Optics | Creator and co-host of the Eye-Opening Careers Podcast 🎙️
Personally, I failed to engage with the careers support available in my school. They did the best they could with the resources they had, but most of my careers conversations were delivered by teachers who had no experience of the industries they were discussing, and sessions typically included scrolling websites or completing activity sheets. As a kinaesthetic / auditory learner, this was my worst nightmare. I zoned out, smiled politely and got through the lesson as quickly as possible - leaving with zero knowledge of the career path I wanted to take. Despite this, my teachers were approachable and generous with their time, so when I did finally have an idea about what I was interested in, they were able to help me make an appropriate plan. But for students lacking in confidence and perhaps facing additional challenges in school and at home - I know this wasn’t the case. During my time working for Aimhigher (a national, government funded initiative to provide inspirational careers advice and guidance to young people from low-socio economic backgrounds) I saw the difference this work made. I saw students who appeared to be disruptive, disengaged (and no doubt expecting to be bored to tears) come to life, get involved in challenges and leave with a positive and wider view of the world (not bad for a 60-minute workshop!). Connexions was also available at that time, a face-to-face service, providing careers advice in schools and colleges, and local drop-in centres. This meant students could access services easily and knew where to go to get support (the drop-in centres meant that parents could also access information for their children). Whilst the overall impact of these services probably varied across the UK (local authorities had responsibility of how the budgets were managed) the biggest benefit was that all students had access to the same support, regardless of their school’s budget. Teachers were able to focus on teaching as careers support was fully funded and outsourced, and there was greater awareness about where to access help. So whilst there is lots of great work being done throughout the UK (The Careers & Enterprise Company, a government funded organisation focussed on supporting and linking schools with employers via the Gatsby Benchmark, is one to note, as well as many other local authority/ charitable initiatives) schools are still having to do most of the leg work, with next to zero budgets. Another reason why employer support is of the utmost value, in helping guide and support our future generations. It’s great to see West Yorkshire focussing on this important issue - if you’re located in the region, here’s an opportunity to share feedback on the careers advice you received at school / college (open to all ages). You never know, it might just help secure the funding that in my opinion, is so desperately needed! #careerssupport #westyorkshire
Thinking back to any careers advice you’ve been given, did you find it useful, motivating or unhelpful? The West Yorkshire Combined Authority is welcoming feedback from people of all ages in West Yorkshire. Share your experience at https://lnkd.in/euCc3dF5 @MayorofWY @WestYorkshireCombinedAuthority
Programme Development Lead (Digital) at West Yorkshire Combined Authority
8moThank you for sharing your experience and the link, Gemma