Careers education increasing student motivation

Researchers have claimed that pupils who directly hear from employers about the realities of getting employment went on to achieve better grades.

In the research, entitled ‘Motivated to achieve’, the Education and Employers charity examined the progress of a group of about 650 secondary school pupils in England in the year before their GCSEs - with some given careers talks and meetings with employers.

It found that the pupils who had careers sessions with employers and had witnessed the direct implications of their exams were slightly more likely to exceed predicted GCSE grades. The report also highlights a correlation with the students who met with employers and increased incentive for revision before examinations.

Motivated to achieve showed, for the first time, that lower achievers and less engaged learners responded best to the intervention.

Elnaz Kashefphkdel, head of Research at Education and Employers charity said, “This latest report, builds on ten years of our research. Our previous findings have demonstrated the positive impact of connecting young people to the world of work, especially for those from disadvantaged backgrounds. This report shows that short interactions with volunteers from the world of work can have a powerful impact on attainment.  And more significantly, that the low achievers and less engaged learners have the most to gain in improving their academic attainment.”

Damian Hinds, Secretary State for Education, said: “A chance to experience the world of work first hand can play a huge part in helping young people develop the skills and personal qualities they need for workplaces, as well as showing them how the subjects they are learning at school are relevant in later life.

“This report underlines the value of good careers education which builds confidence, broadens horizons and fuels ambition. Good careers education must be available to as many young people as possible, which is why we’re investing in careers education and why I fully support Education and Employers’ mission to strengthen the ties between schools and the world of work.”