A new report from the London Enterprise Panel on careers advice and work experience is being launched by the Mayor of London this (Thursday) morning, and recommends that every young Londoner should have completed at least 100 hours experience of the world of work.
The report says that young people would benefit from spending time in the worplace. in some form, by the time they reach the age of 16 and that suggests that it should begin as early as in primary schools.
Tiana Locker, Youth Engagement Officer at City & Guilds said: “I couldn’t agree more with the suggestion that all young people should have the chance to experience the workplace before they turn 16, and that it should start from a young age. I know from my own experience how important it is to get stuck in and learn on the job about what different roles are like. It’s also a great opportunity to talk to employees and be inspired by their career choices. After all, how can you know what you want to do or even what you need to do to get there if you don’t try it out?”
Tiana, a former City & Guilds apprentice herself, played a key role in creating Apprentice Connect, an initiative run by qualified City & Guilds apprentices to give young people the opportunity to meet successful apprentices, and hear their stories.
“This recommendation, which shouldn’t just be restricted to London, shows just how important good careers advice is in schools. Young people need help to decide on what comes next for them after the classroom – whether it’s university, an apprenticeship, or straight into work. Far too many of them don’t know what their options are, and careers advice plus work experience can make a huge impact.”
“The Neets figures published today prove that youth unemployment is still a massive problem. We have a long way to go to make sure that no one is slipping through the cracks.”
