Young People’s career decisions influenced by parents and career advisers
Parents, carers, and career advisers have significant influence on young people's career decisions.
A survey of almost 3,000 recent school leavers from across Scotland shows that eight out of ten cited parents and carers as key influencers in their career decisions.
School leaver feedback
More than half mentioned that their career adviser played a significant role.
Almost two-thirds of young people from the most deprived areas in Scotland felt their careers adviser was a key influence.
The research also revealed strong satisfaction with the careers advice young people received in school along with a desire for more support.
The young people’s career ambitions research from Skills Development Scotland (SDS) focused on recent school leavers.
Expert and impartial career advice
It provides insights on careers support; insights on school leavers’ post-school preferences; influences on career decisions; future aspirations and expectations, as well as potential barriers.
SDS runs the national career service with career advisers in schools across the country.
Head of careers information advice and guidance at SDS, Dave McCallum, said: “It’s never been more important for young people to have expert and impartial careers advice.
“It’s essential to understand the views of young people so that we can work together with parents and carers, schools and partners to provide the best possible support.
“The voice and experiences of young people are at the heart of everything we do.
“It is encouraging that young people have felt supported and motivated by the career services provided at school. We aim to continue building on this foundation.”
Impact of AI on career ambitions
Apart from SDS career support, young people are most likely to utilise online searches along with receiving support from teachers, lecturers, and guidance teachers at schools, colleges, or universities.
The research also gathered views on the impact of the pandemic on career ambitions and the potential impact of artificial intelligence.
On artificial intelligence, respondents gave mixed views with many saying it wouldn’t affect their career choices or were unsure of its impact.
Some expressed concerns about the artificial intelligence limiting job opportunities, providing inaccurate information or fostering a reliance on technology.
Pay top factor in decision making
However, others saw the potential to assist with tasks, generate ideas, and create new job opportunities.
Pupils shared ambitions for careers across a range of sectors – with construction, engineering, creative industries and medicine or health coming out on top.
Pay remained the most important factor for future careers, followed by job satisfaction, work-life balance, and learning new skills.
Partners who supported the young people’s career ambitions research included Scottish Government, Developing the Young Workforce, Education Scotland, Association of Directors of Education in Scotland, College Development Network, Youthlink, Scottish Funding Council, Scottish Qualifications Authority, Edinburgh Napier University, Young Scot, and the Open University.
Skills Development Scotland (SDS) works with partners to understand the views of S1 to S6 pupils; parents and carers; and apprentices across Scotland.
Find out more about the Young People’s Career Ambitions research on the SDS website, under CIAG Research within the Evaluation and Research area.