Almost three-quarters of secondary-age young people in the UK want more careers advice, according to a survey published today (6 September) for BBC Children’s and Education.
Seventy-one percent of the 12-18 year olds polled by Survation said they would like more careers advice and support to help them decide their future steps.
Sixty-six percent would like to hear more about local career options, while 65% want to find out about potential roles available to them across the UK.
More than four in 10 (42%) believed that careers support from their school or college had reduced in the wake of Covid-19, with almost as many (38%) missing out on work experience placements because of the pandemic.
Nevertheless, 60% of the 2,086 respondents said they felt positive about their future, with 65% claiming to be confident.
The poll is published on the same day that Share Your Story – the BBC’s centenary education project aiming to inspire young people to realise their ambitions – resumes in schools.
Between now and Christmas, more than 2,000 face-to-face storytelling and careers sessions will be held in over 700 schools.
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Some of the famous faces visiting old educational haunts to share their stories include Celeste in Brighton, Graham Norton in London, Marli Siu in Moray, and Rakie Ayola in Cardiff.
Ahead of the visits, teachers are offered training to deliver storytelling workshops to pupils, from BBC literacy and educational charity partners, the National Literacy Trust and Voice 21.
A total of 35 BBC presenters, 150 BBC staff storytellers, 300 career panellists and 100 BBC stars will take part in the sessions.
“I’m so excited to be heading back to my old school,” said Edith Bowman, ahead of her 16 September return to Fife.
“I feel really fortunate to have a job that I absolutely love, and I don’t think I’d have believed that all these incredible opportunities would come my way when I was at school. It really is so important that young people see that any career is possible for them, no matter where they’re from.”
Following the Share Your Story sessions, the BBC will revisit schools to deliver specialist career panel events, delivered in partnership with local BBC radio stations, and comprising a BBC staff member alongside two panellists from the local community whose work benefits or includes storytelling.
Pic: Zoe Ball shares her story as part of the BBC’s centenary education project
