Young people more influenced by career opportunities than making money

Young people aged 16 to 19 are more influenced by career opportunities than making money, when making a decision on what they want to do after school, according to research from the Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT).

The research revealed the career worries of GCSE students, and the top drivers when it comes to deciding what to do after school. 23 per cent say they are most influenced by better career options.

Important  

Making more money in the long term was found to be the second most important factor, cited by 21 per cent. This was followed by development of skills (18 per cent), building life experience (10 per cent) and doing something fun (9 per cent).

Students were found to be concerned about their future careers, with choosing the right job being found to be the main worry (34 per cent), followed by not knowing what they want to do in the future (20 per cent) and not achieving the level of success that they want to (13 per cent).

Figures obtained from the Department for Education showed an increase in the number of students choosing to go to university, with 59 per cent choosing this route in 2015, up from 53 per cent in 2012.

Opportunities  

AAT Chief Executive Mark Farrar commented: “Our data suggests that the current system tends to push students towards university, but some may be better suited to another route, such as an apprenticeship – which can offer so many opportunities to learn while benefiting from developing skills associated with entering the workplace earlier and gaining greater financial independence.”

He added: “It is important that students are exposed to other options so they feel most equipped to make an informed choice about the career path that suits them best.”