If you are an university student, or thinking about becoming one, please read this article from the Guardian. Ask your parents or guardians to read it too. Writing as an employer and former teacher, I understand the bits that are missing from the work-readiness of most young people. I think this article is a valuable insight into the idea of university qualification (and debt) as a foundation for your career. The article challenges some of the logic and wisdom about student debt and the actual value of a university degree.
I agree with lots of what has been written by Aditya Chakraborrty. As the comments beneath the article demonstrate, this is a contentious issue, with firmly-held opinions on all fronts. I don’t want anyone to be offended by the fact that I agree……… I know why the various stakeholders take the positions they hold.
All I’m saying is that I realise there’s little scope or funding to change things around, but that I have a solution to those who are prepared to engage! I care about young people and their chances of securing a job. I can help. I want to help.
Bizenko have just completed a market research exercise surveying opinions from 1,000 parents. All the respondents have children in the 16-23 age bracket, and so are directly affected by this topic. I’m looking forward to sharing the findings with this blog as soon as possible. One thing is very clear from the responses received; we’re at a point where expecting better results from an old system, that hasn’t yet worked to the satisfaction of all parties, is madness. Especially in a time of austerity.
As attractive as it sounds to have a Government-funded or Employer-funded solution, it won’t happen quick enough for the young people currently in education. There simply isn’t the funding available or the incentives-for-employers to assume that the status quo can work any better.
Some might take ideological exception to that view, but I’ve spent enough money researching this topic to know that, on a practical level, the assessment is sound.
