Ann Watson, managing director of specialist awarding organisation, EAL (EMTA Awards Limited), cites the lack of unbiased careers advice in many schools as the stumbling block for Britain’s lost generation.
The Government’s head of curriculum review, Tom Oates, called for half of all young people to complete an apprenticeship (03/06) and would like to see equal numbers choosing the apprenticeship route as studying for A-Levels. Watson comments: “While I share Mr Oates vision implicitly, careers advice in schools appears to fall woefully short of the mark so it’s little wonder more students choose university. With preference given to academic opportunities, I seriously question what information on apprenticeships is provided.”