Browne Report and the importance of Career Advice

Hidden away in the media coverage regarding university funding and the debate over tuition fees is a reference to the importance of career advice at schools. Allelujah! Someone has at last recognised the importance of seriously addressing individual career advice that will assist students understand the choices they have prior to mortgaging their future in the hope of well paid roles following university.

Career advice needs to start earlier on entering secondary education and should be placed at the centre of education. If serious amounts of time, such as two double periods a week, were dedicated to careers, then students will have a much better chance of identifying what potential careers they may be suited to and enjoy. Therefore when it comes to making a decision on carrying £30,000 of debt they can do so with the confidence that they know what they want to do at the end of it, and are studying a subject that is relevant. 

Alternatively they will also have the chance to identify trades that they may prefer or be more suited to and apprenticeship schemes they can undertake. Either way, the choices students face over what subjects to study and courses and which universitities to attend should be aligned with quality career advice and employment opportunities. The big question is therefore who will be giving this advice and how it will be delivered. If done well then people will feel more confident in investingin their future.