Parents Hope for University but Teenagers are More Focused on Earning, IMI Research Reveals

LONDON, August 23, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

New research commissioned by Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) reveals disparity between parents and teenagers' ambitions and a lack of quality careers advice.

According to new research commissioned by the professional body for the automotive sector, released ahead of GCSE results day, it seems that parents and their offspring have very different opinions about the options available. 84% of parents said they would choose university over an apprenticeship for their children, even though 61% admitted that they believe work experience is what employers look for in potential job applicants, and teenagers said they would choose to avoid the university debts and jump straight into work.

The IMI's research also found 50% of young people surveyed hadn't received any form of careers advice. For those who had, 36% of 15 year olds said the quality of the information was average at best.  

67% of teenagers were put off going to university because they wanted to start earning money and didn't feel a degree would help them find a job. But only 1 in 5 said they would choose an apprenticeship after leaving school.

With employers struggling to attract young people into new job roles across the motor industry, the IMI believes there is a huge disconnect between what employers need in order to operate effectively and career guidance being given to teenagers by both parents and teachers.

Steve Nash, Chief Executive Officer at the IMI, said: 

"The number of young people receiving quality careers advice is worryingly low, so it's important parents and teachers are given more information on the opportunities available to teenagers when it comes to making those big decisions about their next step after their GCSE's. The motor industry has been surrounded by misconceptions for many years, but exciting developments in groundbreaking new technologies means that automotive is emphatically a high-technology sector and can offer a very broad range of exciting and rewarding careers.

"The IMI is helping to raise the profile of vocational training in the automotive sector since we know employers are often struggling to present a balanced view of alternative education routes that young people can choose from. Our sector can provide teenagers with incredible long-term careers, so we'll continue to support parents and teachers by supplying them with information to help teenagers make informed choices."  

Notes to Editor 

• Research sample of 501 UK teens ages 11-15 and their parents
• 84% of parents want their children to go to university
• 82% of teenagers want to go to University after leaving school
• 67% of teenagers said their best reasons for not going to University was to earn money, and 48% wanted to avoid the debt, and 20% wanted to take on vocational training
• Money is a young person's main motivations when finding a job

About IMI 

IMI is the professional association for individuals working in the motor industry, and the authoritative voice of the sector.

IMI is transforming the automotive industry by setting, upholding and promoting professional standards - driving skills acquisition, establishing clearer career paths, and boosting public confidence. IMI's online Professional Register is here to make sure consumers are in skilled, competent and trustworthy hands.

Please visit http://www.theimi.org.uk to find out more.

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