Parents have confessed their lack of knowledge about the potential for apprenticeships to lead to careers such as veterinary nursing and aerospace engineering.
A survey of 2,000 parents with children aged 11-18 in state and non-fee paying schools in England revealed that 58% are not fully aware of the variety of qualifications available to youngsters today.
Despite many being familiar with the concept of apprenticeships, the study showed a significant misunderstanding about the opportunities they can provide. Over a quarter believed apprenticeships were generally low-paid, while 9 per cent worried they could restrict future career flexibility.
A significant 87 per cent were unaware that an apprenticeship could lead to a career as a paralegal, and three quarters didn’t know it could pave the way to becoming a veterinary nurse or even a paramedic or physiotherapist.
The research was commissioned by Talking Futures, which has produced an online video featuring actress Denise Van Outen to challenge parents’ preconceptions and past experiences of the education system that could be limiting their child’s future choices.
Denise Van Outen shared: “I’ve been having lots of conversations recently with my daughter, who is 14, about what she might like to do in the future and the best routes to getting there. And I have to admit, it can feel really overwhelming knowing how to guide her.
“From my experience when I was at school, it didn’t seem like there were as many pathways – it was quite linear and you just sort of ‘fell into’ a career, without taking the time to think about the full range of options available.
“There are great quality options available to kids today; it’s just a case of knowing how best to help your kids to navigate what’s right for them.”
A third feel ill-equipped to advise their children on educational options, with 41 per cent fearing their limited understanding of current education and career pathways could hinder their child’s prospects.
However, a third of parents now believe that a university degree is the only route to success in a future career. With 40 per cent viewing apprenticeships as a fantastic alternative, believing they provide a good way to gain practical work experience while still receiving an education.
Over three quarters would feel more confident in supporting their children’s decisions if they had a better understanding of the options available.
Michelle Rea, spokesperson for Talking Futures, which is run by The Gatsby Charitable Foundation, commented: “Denise does a brilliant job in this short film of demonstrating the importance of parents not letting their own experiences of school have a negative impact on how they support their child’s education decisions.
“Today’s new research shines a light on that feeling of overwhelm some parents can have as they get to grips with the education options open to their teens.
“Yes, some things are different from when we were at school, but there is information out there to help – parents just need to know where to look.
“We have lots of resources and support that we hope will build parents’ confidence in having education and career conversations with their kids by getting them up to speed on what options are available today.”