Pupils have ‘clear idea’ of career plans

Three quarters of young people have a clear idea of what they want their future career to be, a new survey has reported.

The annual ‘Student Attitudes to Business’ survey, carried out on behalf of business education charity Business Dynamics, questioned 450 14 to 19-year-olds.

The survey found that 75% of young people had a clear idea of their future career plans, although half of them expected to change their careers during their working life.

Science and Healthcare was the most popular area of employment, with 27% of respondents saying this was the area they wished to work in. Skilled manual work and the arts and fashion industry were the next most popular choices, named by 23% and 15% of interviewees respectively.

The survey also found that nearly half of those questioned were attracted to a career in business, while the percentage of young people interested in starting their own business also increased to 53% - a large increase from 45% in 2004.

The number of female students interested in starting their own business also increased to 51%, just 4% less than male students. In 2004, there was a 20% gap between the sexes, with 55% of male students wishing to become entrepreneurs, compared to 35% of females.

The majority of those surveyed (83%) said that enjoyment of their career was very important to them, while two thirds said that they wanted a chance to use their skills. Only 38% said that money was very important, while only 15% cited status and prestige as important factors.

David Millar, CEO of Business Dynamics, said: “The majority of young people say they have a clear idea about their future plans, but for many of them, this will not be based on any actual experience of that career or the alternatives.

“By introducing young people to the wide range of career options available to them in business, our programmes broaden their horizons.”

(KMcA/SP)