Survey reveals teenagers in Chester and Ellesmere Port are already thinking about their future jobs

Dec 9 2009 Chester Chronicle

YOUNG people in Ellesmere Port and Chester are a career-conscious lot according to a new poll which reveals many 16 to 18 year olds are already thinking about their future jobs.Š

Over three-quarters of young people in the region have given serious thought to the line of work they would like to go into when they leave education or training, and almost one in three have a clear idea of the kind of job they would like to have.

Ambition among young people in the area is high, with over half predicting that they will earn more than or enjoy greater job satisfaction than their parents.

The national poll also questioned 16 to 18-year olds about the kinds of careers they would like to go into when they leave education or training.Š The North West looks set to be a hot-bed of future education talent, with more young people keen to work in this sector than any other.Š Business and finance and IT were also popular career choices.

The poll comes during a week of events to mark the raising of the participation age – a major change to the education system which means young people in England will be required to stay on in education or training until the age of 18, from 2015.Š

Staying in education or training for longer will help ensure all young people in Ellesmere Port and Chester develop the skills, knowledge and attitude to prepare them for future learning and work.Š It will also help to tackle the number who are currently not in education or training.

Schools Minister Iain Wright said: “Young people in Ellesmere Port and Chester have many different aspirations and dreams for the future, and it’s crucial that we help them gain the skills and knowledge they will need to fulfil their goals in today’s competitive job market.Š

“Staying in education or training until the age of 18 will help prepare them for the future and improve their life and employment opportunities.

“In October we launched a strategy to ensure young people and parents get important impartial information, advice and guidance about learning and work opportunities.Š

“This will help prepare young people for a rapidly-changing jobs market, and inspire them to fulfil their potential.”

Raising the participation age is not just about staying on at school or college.Š

It could mean:

∙ full-time education, such as school or college

∙ work-based learning, such as an apprenticeship

∙ part-time education or training - if they are employed, self-employed or volunteering more than 20 hours a week.

Among the qualifications available to young people to help them fulfil their potential are Apprenticeships, GCSEs, A levels and the Diploma, a qualification which combines practical learning with classroom study.

This academic year students in Ellesmere Port and Chester will be able to choose from three Diploma subjects:

Creative and Media; Engineering; Environmental and Land-based Studies; and Hair and Beauty Studies.

From 2010 students will be able to choose from a further three Diploma subjects:

Construction and the Built Environment; Information Technology; and Society, Health and Development.

To find out more about the Diploma and the range of qualifications available to young people in Ellesmere Port and Chester www.direct.gov.uk/en/EducationAndLearning/