Written by:
Victoria Winckler
Director
The Bevan Basis
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You probably have youngsters, you’ll know that examination season is upon us. GCSE examinations are resulting from begin in a matter of weeks and run till mid-June. There’s then a few months’ respite till outcomes day on 24th August. However what occurs after that?
Every year Careers Wales collects information on ‘pupil locations’, which exhibits broadly what occurs to learners leaving their statutory schooling on the age of 15-16, i.e. on leaving yr eleven. The findings for 2022 have simply been printed and make for fascinating studying.
The excellent news is that the overwhelming majority of 15-16-year-olds proceed in some type of additional studying. Of those that transfer on to full-time research, schools of additional schooling are the favored alternative with six out of ten leavers shifting on to a school in contrast with 4 out of ten finding out in a faculty 6th type. Employers seeking to appeal to younger folks into future careers or to develop partnerships with native schooling suppliers ought to take notice – if you wish to discover expertise look to FE schools in addition to faculties!
The proportion of 15-16-year-olds shifting into different actions is way smaller. Fewer than one in twenty strikes into some type of work-based studying, whereas only one in thirty – the equal of 1 pupil in every class – goes into commonplace employment. Males and learners of White ethnicity have been more likely to enter employment than females and learners of minority ethnicity, besides the proportions are small. The times of enormous numbers of leavers beginning within the native manufacturing facility are clearly lengthy gone.
Whereas there may be a lot to rejoice, there are additionally some worrying developments. The variety of yr eleven pupils occurring to full-time schooling is at its lowest stage since 2014 (aside from 2018 when there have been information issues). In distinction, the proportion getting into commonplace employment is rising – maybe reflecting the necessity to earn a wage throughout the cost-of-living disaster. Even at a minimal wage of £5.28 an hour for below 18-year-olds, their earnings are a probably helpful contribution to family funds.
The Welsh Authorities announcement that Schooling Upkeep Allowance, which helps low-income learners, will enhance by £10 per week to £40 is a really great addition. It might effectively assist to stem the pattern and encourage younger folks to remain in schooling in addition to enabling them to afford important faculty provides and meals. Nevertheless, it nonetheless leaves the query of whether or not there would be the alternatives and monetary help for younger individuals who go away schooling to realize {qualifications} as adults if they want to take action.
Maybe most worrying of all is the obvious enhance within the share of Yr 11 school-leavers who’re Not in Schooling, Employment or Coaching (NEET). Whereas the proportion is small, at 2.1%, it’s the highest since 2015. Lacking out on studying or employment on the age of 16 to 18 has a long-lasting and damaging impact on an adolescent’s prospects, so we needs to be involved. Two-thirds of NEET younger individuals are unable to enter work due to sickness, being pregnant or another excuse. However lately most dad and mom are anticipated to work and a few folks get well from sickness. What’s the future for these younger folks? Are there alternatives for them to return to studying or to get a job sooner or later? Or does a lifetime of financial inactivity await?
It’s corny however true to say that younger individuals are all our futures, as enterprise leaders or staff, as dad and mom and carers, and as clients. We should always do our greatest to help their development and improvement. Ask your self, what are you or your organisation doing to assist learners of all sort alongside the pathway to success?
