Two thirds of parents across the West Midlands believe that the competitive job market is the key barrier to their children not securing the job that they want them to, a poll from Action for Children has revealed. The charity also found that almost ten per cent of parents feel their children are not likely to gain the skills and qualifications they need to find a suitable job, with almost a third (28 per cent) citing their background as a barrier to finding a profession.
Brigitte Gater, Action for Children’s director of children’s services across the West Midland, said: “Parents want the best in life for their children, including a career, but with cuts to student grants and stiff competition for jobs many young people, especially the disadvantaged just don’t have the same chance as some of their peers to improve their life chances.
“At Action for Children, we provide opportunities for young people to develop – from employment and training services offering young people work tasters and placements to skills and job seeking workshops, and internship opportunities. We know from talking to people who use our services that this helps young people thrive and drive their educational achievement.”
Holly Pullen, 17, from Worcester was referred to Action for Children’s Worcester City Early Help service when issues with anxiety began to adversely affect her GCSE revision and has gone on to secure a work placement and become a Young Ambassador for the charity.
She said: “My Action for Children early help practitioner, Kate Taylor helped me develop ways of coping when I found my GCSE revision very stressful. It was really helpful and I passed my exams with very good grades.
“I have now gone on to a work placement in Worcester as an administrator for a recruitment agency and Kate has supported me though that too. She always on the end of the phone when I need her and she helped me cope with the placement interview. With the help from Kate I wouldn’t have been able to leave the house so I’m grateful I am now working towards a career I want and proud to represent Action for Children as a Young Ambassador.”
