UK dad and mom fear as 75% of children really feel unprepared for work life, new research reveals

A new study has found that 75% of kids don’t feel prepared for the world of work, with a quarter having no idea what to do after leaving education

It appears that teenagers feel woefully ill-equipped for the world of work, with a quarter completely clueless about what to do after finishing their education.

A significant 53% of those aged between 11 and 18 are anxious about entering the workforce. And it turns out their main worries revolve around uncertainty about what to expect in their early working life and fear of making mistakes.

These concerns seem to be mirrored by their parents as well. Four out of ten parents worry that their children will struggle with future careers because they’re not ready for the workplace.

Lack of experience, maturity (27%), and confidence (41%) were listed as major concerns but primarily, parents believe their children’s lack of communication and organisational skills will hold them back.

They see these key skills as essential for success in the workforce, along with having the necessary job-specific skills (56%).

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Currently, less than one in ten parents have an ‘excellent’ understanding of post-16 qualifications. A staggering 52% admit to feeling ‘helpless’ when it comes to assisting their children with their educational choices.

Discussing the role of parents in helping their children plan their futures, a spokesperson from Talking Futures said: “When it comes to shaping a child’s life and career choices, no one is more influential than their parents.

“That’s why it’s so important to understand all the options available to your child it’s your best chance of giving them the support that’s right for them.”

The group has celebrated the kick-off of their fresh ‘Technical Education Opens Doors’ campaign with a one-day pop-up at London’s Southbank and Manchester’s Media City.

“With this new campaign, we want to highlight how technical education options like T-levels, apprenticeships and HTQs can open doors for young people and help prepare them for employment,” the spokesperson added.

The pop-up, officially unveiled by campaign ambassador Tim Campbell, underscores how technical education arms youngsters with the skills, experience, and knowledge required in the workplace.

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According to research, over half (56%) of parents reckon more work experience opportunities would better equip their kids for work post-school or college.

Tim Campbell MBE chimed in: “As a parent, I understand the worries we have about ensuring our children have the right experience to pursue a fulfilling career but, equally, as an employer, I am aware of the skills that businesses are looking for.

“We all want to do the best to support our children so my advice would be to find out more about the education options available to your child.

“There are numerous routes, and not all of them will be the right fit for every young person. Try to be as informed as you can about what is out there, so that you can have open and informative conversations with your child about their future career prospects.”

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