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5.1 Learner Survey Analysis
5.1.1 Young Learner Perceptions
In order to test the perceptions and aspirations of young learners in the region the RLSP surveyed 290 learners over a period of three days at various skills fairs. Although a relatively small cohort of respondents by way of comparison, this information has provided a unique insight into the feelings of learners between the ages of 11 and 19.61
Of the 290 learners surveyed 207 (71%) reported that they were currently receiving careers advice or had done in the past, the vast majority of these learners were aged 14/15. More interestingly, 30% of the 207 receiving this advice rated it negatively. Notable comments include; “Not very helpful”, “Not inspiring”, “ Boring”, “Not regularly”, “Biased” and “Lean towards University”. A further 31% rated the advice as average, suggesting that 39% rated the advice as good or better.
Additionally, when asked what the word Apprenticeship means to them, only 53 learners (18%) had a good understanding of what an Apprenticeship is. Responses included “Learn on the job”, “Work while you learn”, “Paid work” and “When you’re taught by a professional”. Conversely, 95 learners (33%) answered “Don’t know”, with the remaining 49% attempting to answer the question but giving wrong or uninformed responses including; “Experience – work for free”, “Basic education”, “Going to work- dad tells me not to”, “Not paid very well”, “People who don’t go to University” and “The Apprentice – the show”.
5.2 Careers Check Data
Career Check provides Careers Advisers with ‘indicators’ that help them to identify clients who need support from Careers Wales. For example:
• support with career management skills,
• support to enter the labour market,
• support with factors affecting their decisions which could impact on their plans.
Career Check provides a snapshot of the way the client is currently thinking and is not a stand-alone tool. The data contained in this section relates to a sample collected in 2016 and is split by the economic region of South West Wales and Mid Wales.
5.2.1 South West (Carmarthenshire, Swansea,
Pembrokeshire, Neath Port Talbot)62
Consideration of the data indicates that a career in the Health and Medical sector is the most popular occupational choice, followed by Leisure, Sports and Tourism and Engineering. A high number of respondents also expressed interest in the Computer, Software and IT and Emergency, Security and Armed Services sectors.
In contrast, those sectors that were least popular as occupational choices are the customer services sector, the administration and office work sector and the manufacturing, industry and factory work sector.
61 At the time of this survey, Careers Wales was remitted to provide impartial careers advice and guidance only to pupils within in 11 or above who were likely to become NEET, along with a smaller proportion of pupils needing support with career decisions. It is not possible to distinguish from the responses provided whether respondents were referring to careers information, advice and guidance provided by Careers Wales or from others within the school careers education programme.
62 6,555 individuals surveyed
Regional Employment & Skills Plan South West & Mid Wales Learner and Provider Consultation Analysis