Rethinking careers education: investing in our country’s future
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on our country’s society and economy. Established notions of what was possible with respect to education and work were forced to adjust quickly.
Schools dealt with the disruption admirably by shifting most of their lesson delivery online. Employers also had to adapt by accelerating their digital capabilities and adjusting their working practices to enable staff to work from home. Whilst it is true that this was not the case for everyone, we believe that the shift towards hybrid working has been significant enough to begin to reflect
on its implications for education.
We need to ensure that every child, irrespective of their background, leaves school with the skills and knowledge that they need to succeed in the world of work. Currently, this is not the case.
High-quality careers education can make all the difference to young people from disadvantaged backgrounds, who are often less able to access quality information and opportunities than their more affluent peers.
By working closely with schools, employers can ensure they attract diverse talent who possess the skills they need to hit the ground running.
The proposals we set out in this report would help to level up the country by spreading opportunity and boosting prosperity. The next generation of British innovators are in school right now, and we must be ambitious for them. That means significant investment in education, weighted towards disadvantaged pupils. This is not only a matter of social justice – it is also prudent fiscal policy.
Download our report to read our evidence-based policy recommendations in full.