Ravensbourne University London research uncovers heavy reliance on informal careers advice and guidance
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A new national research report released by Ravensbourne University London has revealed that informal channels, such as conversations with family members, social media, influencers and YouTube, have eclipsed traditional careers services as the primary source of careers information, advice and guidance (CIAG).
The findings of the report, Next Gen Careers: Aspirations and access, were informed by a survey of 3,000 16-21-year-old respondents conducted by Censuswide. Participants told us that family members are the single biggest influence on their careers decisions (24%), followed by social media, influencers and YouTube (21%). CIAG providers, however, were sixth in order of preference, with just 16% of respondents stating that they receive careers guidance through more traditional means.
The research also uncovered a scattered and confusing experience of traditional CIAG, with many stating they didn’t feel adequately equipped with the information they needed to make informed careers decisions. Fewer than a third of respondents (31%) believed they’d received clear and helpful CIAG, while over half (58%) said they did not understand the route from education into industry.
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Addressing this disparity is not only a matter of fairness, but of economic necessity. To ensure that every young person is equipped to thrive in an ever-evolving workplace, we must strengthen collaboration between industry, careers services and education. Only by working together can we bridge the information gap, open up opportunity and ensure that the next generation enters the workforce with the confidence, skills and direction they deserve.”
Responses also highlighted the risk of an impending skills mismatch. Only 64% of young people indicated that they knew which job they wanted within five years, while 55% of roles with a Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code were not selected.
When polled on where they would ideally like to receive CIAG, respondents listed work experience placements as their top priority, selected by 22% of young people. This suggests that more exhaustive opportunities to collaborate with industry could be a workable way forward to help address the issues outlined by the report.
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At Ravensbourne University London, we see first-hand the transformative power of timely, relevant careers guidance and work placements, yet our research demonstrates that, for many, that guidance remains out of reach.”
If you are interested in this report and want to get in touch, or if you would like to collaborate with us to make the workplace more accessible to young people, we would love to hear from you. You can email us at [email protected].
