Did you know 68%* of young people turn to you for advice about their choices in education and training? Make sure your advice is up to date.
There have been a large number of new qualifications and ways of learning and training introduced since the 1990s. This has happened for two main reasons:
1. To better meet the needs of employers. Employers need people who are enterprising, productive and fully equipped with the skills to compete in business.
2. To give young people a wider range of courses and the chance to learn in a way that suits them. These choices encourage young people to gain the skills and qualifications they need for further study and work.
All the new courses lead to recognised qualifications. Some you’ll be familiar with like A Levels or BTEC diplomas. Others will be new like National Vocational Qualifications and Diplomas. Many new courses are taught part-time in school and part-time in college. They also include time spent with an employer. This allows young people to experience a range of new environments. Qualifications can also be gained through work-based learning routes like apprenticeships. These allow young people to work, learn and earn.
Facts about qualifications and learning
- People with higher skills and qualifications generally find it easier to move from job to job.
- Research shows that people with qualifications usually earn more money than those without.
- Employers tend to look for people with higher-level skills and qualifications.
- There are increased opportunities for higher skilled work; fewer opportunities for unskilled work.
Speak to teachers and the Connexions personal adviser at parents’ evenings. Find out how and where courses are taught and where they might lead. Don’t rule anything out until you know the facts.
Encourage your teenager to:
- use Plan-it (part of the MyPlan4Life suite of websites - available in schools and Connexions Centres) to think about where they are, where they want to get to, and how they’re going to get there. It’s a great planning tool.
- use Futures4me (part of the MyPlan4Life suite of websites) to explore all the post-16 learning and training opportunities available in the West of England.
(*Figure from YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 563 16-19 year olds and 593 adults with children aged 16-19.)
Weblinks
Education for 14-19 year olds – what the changes mean.
External link: direct.gov.uk
Higher education – something for the future?
External link: direct.gov.uk
Money to Learn – financial help with living and learning costs for 14-19 year olds.
External link: direct.gov.uk/moneytolearn
FutureFinder – a website to help young people decide what they want to do and how to get there.
Parentline Plus – because kids don’t come with instructions.
External link: parentlineplus.org.uk
T: 0808 800 2222
Parents and Carers – for those with children in Years 9–11. Information you need to help your teenager make subject choices in Year 9 and career and learning choices in Year 11.
External link: connexions-direct.com/parentcarer
ParentsCentre – lots of information and support for parents/carers on how to help with your child’s learning.
External link: parentscentre.gov.uk/
Qualifications explained. Go to Education and learning>Qualifications explained.
External link: direct.gov.uk
Publications
Year 9 Parents and Carers Guide (local labour market information) – information about the local economy to support option choices. Click the area in which you are interested in:
