Fire and security system businesses are urged to take advantage of those bright A level students who lack the financial means, but not the aptitude, to go to university. Research has suggested that 38 per cent of students are concerned that they may be unable to afford to pay the fees and 26 per cent are deterred from going to university by the fear of a lack of jobs on graduation.
The research among students expecting their A and AS Levels comes from Career Academies UK, a business-led charity that seeks to help young people bridge the gap between school and work by giving them access to real experience of the working world. Similar research conducted in January by Career Academies UK showed only 13pc thought university was worth £9,000 per year.
Whatever path they plan to take, 83pc of 17–19 year olds that have been through a work experience programme say they are optimistic about their futures, underlining the confidence they derive from active support, enhanced careers guidance and paid internships. Over 95pc aspire to attend university, go into a full-time job or take up work-based learning such as apprenticeships.
Says David Walker, policy director at Career Academies UK: “Fire and security system employers have a real opportunity here. Instead of seeing a 19 year old job applicant as unwilling or unqualified to go to university, businesses in this field looking to recruit should see them as enthusiastic, ‘can do’ prospects, blessed with aptitude, enthusiasm and the ‘can do’ attitude that helps build businesses.”
Notes
Research was commissioned August 2013 by Career Academies UK. Over 200 students awaiting the results of their A Levels, AS Levels or Scottish Highers in 2013 responded.
Research published in January 2013 was conducted among 1000 year 12 students (first year A level/BTEC) from across the UK by Career Academies UK in December 2012.
About Career Academies UK:
The business-led charity provides a structured programme of paid internships, mentoring, motivational lectures and workshops to give 16-19 year olds, largely from urban areas of social need, the work experience and skills they need to be able to perform more effectively in the wider world. See www.careeracademies.org.uk for more information.
