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Parents fear for their children’s future but help is on the way
New research from LifeSkills created with Barclays reveals more than seven in ten (71%) parents are concerned about their children’s future careers- Two thirds (68%) of parents admit to not understanding the options available to young people after school
- LifeSkills launches new tools to support parents in helping their children get ready for the work place
LifeSkills created with Barclays has found* more than seven in ten (71%) parents are worried about their children finding work in the future and more than two thirds (68%) are not confident they understand the options available when their children leave education.
However, with nearly six million** parents of young people aged 12-18 in the UK, many of their children are relying on them for advice. The LifeSkills Barometer found nearly four fifths (78%) of 14-19 year olds would turn to their parents for careers advice and over half (54%) would ask them how to pick a career. To help, LifeSkills created with Barclays has launched new tools specifically aimed at parents by providing practical support and advice to give to their children about the employability skills needed to successfully transition into work.
The new LifeSkills tools, which include first hand experiences of other parents via tips and video diaries, were developed based on feedback*** from parents about what they most needed help with in preparing their child for their future career. Of the areas with which parents feel they need help, three fifths (60%) said they needed support in helping their children build confidence. While, two fifths (40%) need help with CV writing and the same amount (40%) admitted to wanting support with interview preparation.
Karren Brady, LifeSkills Ambassador, commented: “With schools breaking up, thoughts turn to what next and it’s clear too many young people still feel uncertain about their future. As a mother I know children rely on their parents for advice, but too many families feel ill-equipped to help. That’s why we have to do more to help parents feel confident they understand the choices available and how to help their children navigate the journey post education. This is why I’m an ambassador for LifeSkills created with Barclays, and am proud to launch dedicated resources for parents.”
Kirstie Mackey, Head of LifeSkills created with Barclays, said: “When it comes to finding work after education, young people instinctively turn to their parents for advice, including the skills that employers will look for. Yet, with two thirds of parents feeling uncomfortable or unprepared to give this advice, there is clear need for greater support for parents. This is why our LifeSkills programme has developed new tools which provide practical help to parents so they can ensure their loved ones are prepared and have the best chance of success in transitioning into work.”
LifeSkills created with Barclays is a free education and work experience programme that helps to make the transition into work easier for young people by connecting business and education providers with young people and their parents.
The new tools available on the LifeSkills website (barclayslifeskills.com/parents) for parents include hints and tips on identifying a young person’s strengths, guidance on finding work experience, tips on writing the perfect cover letter and how young people can make a good impression online to potential employers. The tools specifically designed for parents also signpost to a whole range of other resources available just for young people, who can also sign up to LifeSkills. These include everything from confidence building to working in a team to problem solving.
Young people can also use the LifeSkills website to complete a range of interactive resources to learn everything from everyday digital skills, preparing for an interview and how to write a CV through to matching their skills to a career. As they complete tasks, they gain points which can be used to unlock work experience opportunities. The curriculum linked programme also provides free, unbranded lessons and workshops for teachers across three modules: people, money and work skills. In addition, teachers can match their pupils to local work experience opportunities. Barclays Digital Driving Licence also provides young people with digital skills and to help them be more confident with the internet, digital development, online security and coding.
To find out more and register for information go to www.barclayslifeskills.com/parents.