A new way into work needed for young people

Tomorrow’s Growth argues that relying alone on traditional university courses will not meet the growing demand for degree-level, technical skills in key sectors like manufacturing, construction, IT and engineering.

It says that government needs to remove a series of barriers to better co-operation between higher education and industry. And it urges ministers to address the 40% drop in part-time undergraduate applicants since 2010-11

The CBI warns businesses need to tackle the perception that A-levels followed by a three-year residential course is the only route to a good career, with higher tuition fees meaning young people are getting more astute in deciding what to study from 18.

The UK’s biggest business group says there are not enough courses with business links; patchy understanding of student finance; and poor careers advice on options open to young people – arguing a new vocational UCAS-style system could bridge the gap.

On a vocational UCAS-style system and better careers advice Ms Hall said:

“There is growing demand for ‘earn while you learn’ schemes, yet far too many are shrouded in mystery. Six out of ten young people don’t go to university, so we need to give them much clearer advice on the options, costs and finance out there.” To read more, click here.

Tomorrow’s Growth is backing up the fact Scotland’s need for the Enterprise Apprenticeship is becoming more apparent. The Enterprise apprenticeship is an apprenticeship where young people will learn all aspects of becoming an entrepreneur, but also employability skills, creating a skilled young workforce today, for your tomorrow.

Damien Yeates said:
“For young people embarking on their journey through the world of work, expanded models of collaboration between schools, further and higher education and industry are required – specifically boosting “work-based” learning such as the number of apprentices. Some critics assert that any vocational option is second rate and everyone should have the right to higher education. Yet this is about promoting more accessible and intensive work based approaches to acquiring the right skills and capabilities to enable young people to make more effective transition into productive work and respond to the needs of industry and the wider economy.” To read more, click here.