Research shows young people in Scotland are positive about their future
Young people in Scotland are ambitious and positive according to research led by Skills Development Scotland
Young people in Scotland are ambitious and positive according to research led by Skills Development Scotland (SDS).
However, where you grow up still shapes your opportunities, networks and career pathways.
Focused specifically on recent school leavers, the research gathered insights from almost 3,000 young people from across all 32 local authorities.
It explores topics including post-school journeys, career influences and support systems, skills and perceived barriers, use of AI, and future career ambitions.
The new research shows most young people in Scotland feel positive about their current path, with 87% of recent school leavers satisfied with what they are doing now. Although barriers remain, with many citing a lack of opportunities, work experience, contacts and confidence.
Learning new skills or being good at something, doing something they believe in, and interests and hobbies as shaping career decisions, with those in more deprived areas more likely to be influenced by the need to earn money.
Influence of family and careers advisers
Parents and carers were the biggest influence on career decisions for 78% of respondents, while only 14% said they had used AI to support career planning.
Careers advisers were a key influence for around half of respondents and for young people in more deprived areas this rises to around 60% with some also highlighting the role of their youth and community worker.
Dave McCallum, Head of careers, information and guidance at SDS, said:
“There has never been a more important time to understand the ambitions, influences and challenges shaping young people’s career choices in Scotland.
“Through this research, we are gathering valuable insight into young people’s ambitions and experiences which play a critical role in shaping the services delivered by SDS and our partners.
“There is always more to do, but it’s encouraging to see that young people felt supported and able to make their own choices. This support is especially important for those who may face more barriers, and it is positive that many of these young people reported strong experiences.”
Conducted by SDS’s Evaluation and Research team over five weeks in late 2025, the results are designed to be representative of the Scottish school leaver population.
Role of AI
Finding showed that AI has a limited but emerging role in young people’s career decision making, with a relatively small proportion reporting they used it to explore options, seek advice, and understand their skills and career requirements.
Where it is used, AI acts as a practical support tool, helping young people research pathways, build applications, and make more informed choices.
Partners who supported the research included Scottish Government, Developing the Young Workforce, Education Scotland, Association of Directors of Education in Scotland, College Development Network, Youthlink, Scottish Funding Council, Qualifications Scotland, Edinburgh Napier University, Young Scot, NHS Scotland and the Open University.
The Young People’s Career Ambitions is a key study within SDS’s broader programme of research to understand the views of S1 to S6 pupils; parents and carers; and apprentices across Scotland.
Find out more
Find out more about the Young People’s Career Ambitions research on the SDS website, under CIAG Research within the Evaluation and Research area.