Direct contact with employers - including employer-led careers advice and work experience - is the most useful type of careers advice, according to a survey of almost 2,000 university technical colleges (UTC) students.

The survey, commissioned by the charity Baker Dearing Educational Trust, found that 91 per cent of students felt that talks by employers and work experience were the most useful source of careers information to help them plan their future careers, while 90 per cent found visits to workplaces the most useful.

The survey’s findings reflects research by the Institute for Employment Studies, which shows that young people who attend more careers talks by employers make more successful transitions from schooling into employment, apprenticeships or higher education.

‘Exposure to employers helps young people to develop’

Rosa Marvell, a research fellow at the Institute of Employment Studies, said: “The opportunity for young people to meet employers during their education or training is crucially important, as it can help them to make more effective labour market transitions. Meeting industry role models allows students to discover lesser-known occupations, workplaces and career trajectories that they may not have otherwise considered.

“Just as importantly, it gives them the tools and experiences to decide what options are not right for them. Our research indicates that this exposure helps young people to develop a better understanding of the world of work and the expectations of employers. This supports them to expand the skills and confidence they need to be ‘work ready’ when they’ve finished their studies, and succeed in employment.”

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