The National Careers Service in the North East is calling upon businesses in the region to boost the earning potential of young people by providing them with an insight into the world of work.
The call to action comes following the publication of study in the Journal of Education and Work which found that career advice sessions were worth thousands later in life.
The study, commissioned by the Education and Employers charity, found that for each piece of careers advice a 14 or 15-year-old received from a source outside of school, they benefited from a 0.8% earnings premium by the age of 26 – equal to £2000 a year for every six career sessions.
The National Careers Service is responsible for delivering Supporting Inspiration, a new service which helps forge relationships between schools, colleges and employers with the aim of assisting young people to develop their appreciation of the world of work, understand the local labour market, and to raise their awareness of opportunities and progression pathways.
The Supporting Inspiration service has already signed up 195 schools and is actively seeking businesses and employers who are willing to inform students about the world of work by supporting careers and work related learning activities in schools and colleges.
Carly Hinds, Partnership Manager in the North East for the National Careers Service, said: “This study is clear evidence of how much young people can benefit when employers and education work together.
“The aim of Supporting Inspiration is to help inspire young people’s interest in different careers, also helping them to understand the importance of softer skills, such as communication and time management, so that they leave education ready for the world of work.
“Of course, there are benefits for businesses which take part too. It is a chance for them to identify future employees, nurture up and coming talent, as well as providing their current employees with development opportunities.”