Parents urged to consider all options for their children

Young Britons are turning their backs on vocational education since most parents are still not aware of alternative educational routes that are out there at their disposal, according to a new research of the Learning and Skills Council

Young Britons are turning their backs on vocational education since most parents are still not aware of alternative educational routes that are out there at their disposal, according to a new research of the Learning and Skills Council.

The LSC’s research reveals that despite the wide availability of other learning options, eight in ten (80 per cent) parents coax their children to follow traditionally academic routes such as A Levels. Many young adults are better suited to other forms of learning. Consequently they drop out, demoralised, thinking that these courses are just another version of their school education.

About 68% of young adults count on their parents for valuable advice on education. The LSC is urging all parents to educate themselves on all educational options and existent financial support in form of EMA available to students. Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) is a weekly payment of £30 to every student who decides to stick at his course. Students, hailing from households with an average income of £30,810, are also eligible for it. A third of young students still do not know that EMA is also available on vocational courses.

Trevor Fellowes, Director of Learner Support at the LSC, which operates EMA, said:

“EMA isn’t just available for traditional subjects such as GCSE retakes and A Levels – 34,600 young people are currently receiving EMA on a work based learning programme. We urge young people to find out if they are eligible to ensure that money is not an obstacle in helping all young people fulfil their learning potential.”

When most parents were younger their choices were probably limited to either the ‘academic’ route, such as A Levels, or to leave education and get a job. The scenario is completely different, today. There are numerous ways to return or stay on in learning. But that does not have to be while cooped up in class-rooms. Courses range from A Levels or Diplomas to more vocational courses which are as far reaching as Construction, Fashion and Textiles, and New Media.

Rinku Chatterjee