How to Engage Young People in Careers Education | Jake Richings | TEDxNorthwich

Summary

The script explores the limitations of traditional career education and how it often fails to inspire young people beyond a narrow set of options. It highlights the importance of broadening career awareness by connecting learning with a variety of real-world careers. The speaker challenges the common question, 'What do you want to be when you grow up?' and suggests that by focusing on transferable skills like problem-solving and teamwork, educators can inspire students to consider a wider range of possibilities. The message emphasizes awareness, engagement, and fostering a growth mindset to unlock the full potential of young people.

Takeaways

• 😀 A person’s aspirations may not always align with their true capabilities or interests, as shown by the speaker's childhood dream of becoming a dolphin despite not being a good swimmer.
• 😀 Young people often gravitate towards a limited set of careers when asked what they want to be, with common choices including teacher, vet, scientist, and social media influencer.
• 😀 Many of the top career choices for children are not based on income potential or practicality, but on awareness and visibility of those careers in their immediate environment.
• 😀 To encourage a wider range of aspirations, it is essential to show young people that various careers exist beyond the ones they are already familiar with.
• 😀 Aspirations are just one piece of the career puzzle, with awareness being another crucial factor in guiding young people towards a variety of careers.
• 😀 Young people often don't connect lessons like math, science, and English with real-world applications, which limits their career options. We should encourage them to see the broader skills these subjects teach.
• 😀 Math is not just about numbers but is a tool for pattern recognition, problem-solving, and logical thinking, which can be applied to a wide range of careers.
• 😀 Similarly, science, art, and English lessons aren't just about specific subjects or figures (like Shakespeare); they are about developing critical thinking, creativity, and communication skills.
• 😀 Teachers, parents, and businesses need to shift the focus from asking young people 'What do you want to be?' to creating a stronger connection between education and real-world careers.
• 😀 The bottleneck to encouraging diverse career choices is often a lack of engagement and awareness. We need to challenge stereotypes and expose students to a wider range of career paths.
• 😀 Encouraging leadership, teamwork, and other transferable skills in young people, such as through football or other interests, can open doors to a variety of careers beyond just playing professional sports.

Q & A

Why do young people often aspire to the same 10 jobs?

Young people tend to aspire to the same 10 jobs because these are the careers they are most aware of. These jobs are visible in the media, popular culture, and their immediate environment. For example, careers like teacher, vet, scientist, footballer, and social media influencer are commonly known.

What is the main issue with how career aspirations are currently shaped in children?

The main issue is that many young people are not exposed to the full range of career possibilities. They are often limited to familiar options because of a lack of awareness about other professions. This narrow focus leads to fewer diverse career choices and reduces the chance for young people to explore opportunities beyond the well-known roles.

Why is it important to show young people that different careers exist?

It’s crucial to show young people that different careers exist to broaden their perspectives and expand their potential aspirations. When they know about various jobs, including ones in emerging fields or niche industries, they are more likely to explore diverse career paths and find roles that align with their skills and passions.

How does the speaker suggest we engage young people in careers education?

The speaker suggests that we need to start by improving awareness of the vast range of careers available. Teachers, businesses, and parents should expose children to less traditional career paths and emphasize transferable skills learned through various subjects, rather than focusing solely on the traditional and well-known professions.

What connection does the speaker make between subjects like math and careers?

The speaker emphasizes that subjects like math are not just about numbers. They are about developing problem-solving skills, logical thinking, and pattern recognition. These skills are applicable in a wide range of careers, beyond just those directly related to math, such as in tech, engineering, and design.

How does the speaker suggest we should rethink the teaching of subjects like English and Science?

The speaker suggests that we should rethink the teaching of subjects like English and Science by focusing on the skills they cultivate. English teaches communication, creativity, and self-expression, while Science develops critical thinking and problem-solving skills. These skills are valuable in many careers, even if the specific content, like Shakespeare or specific scientific theories, isn’t directly applied.

What does the speaker mean by 'engagement' being the bottleneck to creating a generation of entrepreneurs?

The speaker argues that engagement is the key to inspiring young people to pursue diverse careers. If students are not engaged or interested in a subject, they won’t see the connection to potential careers. Engagement helps to spark curiosity and motivates students to build the skills needed for various professions, ultimately leading to more entrepreneurship and innovation.

How does the speaker view the role of extracurricular activities, like football, in career development?

The speaker views extracurricular activities, such as football, as important for developing transferable skills like leadership, teamwork, and resilience. Even though many young people may initially believe that excelling in football only leads to careers in sports, these skills are valuable in a wide range of careers outside of athletics.

What is the problem with the traditional question 'What do you want to be when you grow up'?

The speaker argues that asking young people 'What do you want to be when you grow up' limits their thinking. It implies that there is a single, defined career path to follow. Instead, young people should be encouraged to think about the skills they enjoy developing, rather than feeling pressured to fit into a specific role.

What change does the speaker propose in the way we approach careers education?

The speaker proposes a shift toward expanding career awareness and focusing on the skills developed through various subjects and activities. Rather than just promoting specific careers, educators should emphasize the value of skills like problem-solving, communication, and creativity, which can apply to a wide range of professions.