Almost two-thirds of parents of teenagers who will receive their GCSE results this week are concerned for their children's future, according to a new report.
Research by the Gatsby Charitable Foundation found that 64 per cent admit to being worried for their children. Some 99 per cent say they will view this year’s results day differently due to the education changes caused by the pandemic and over a third (36%) feel more conscious of the pressures their children are under.
Fresh off the back of the first ever set of T-level results last week, nearly three-quarters of parents (73%) say they would like to know more about the skills demanded by employers, with two-fifths (41%) saying they want information to help inform their child’s choices after they receive their GCSE results. T-levels are a new post-GCSE qualification developed in collaboration with employers and are the equivalent of three A-levels. They include a 45-day industry placement that aims to prepare youngsters for the working world.
To help raise awareness of T-levels, a group of T-Team ambassadors has been formed led by The Apprentice winner and father-of-two Tim Campbell. He is joined by students including Isha Ali, who last week passed her Digital T-level at Cranford Community College, West London, Simon Parker, the T-level lead at South Essex College, and Helen Clements, of Morgan Sindall Construction.
Tim said: “The uncertainty of the pandemic has shown that it’s more important than ever for parents to feel they can turn to trusted people for accurate advice about their teenagers’ future. It’s clear from the research that parents are concerned about their teenagers’ working futures and no doubt teenagers will have their own worries themselves, but something they can both agree on is T-levels present inspiring and reassuring opportunities for both children and parents.”
Ms Clements, social value manager at Morgan Sindall Construction, said: “Through our 45-day work placement, students can build a vast and important network. Networking can be integral when it comes to job-hunting and exposure to the right people is vital during the early stages of a young person’s career. It helps put students in the best possible position for the next steps of their journey."
The two-year T-level course offers a range of subject choices including Healthcare Science, Education and Childcare, Accounting, Digital Support Services, Legal Services and Management and Administration. For further information go to https://tlevelinfo.org.uk/.
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