Nearly half of workers feel academic education did not prepare them for careers
![Nearly half of workers feel academic education did not prepare them for careers](/upload/news/2024/02/22/164683.jpg)
Nearly half of working Brits (44%) feel their academic education did not prepare them at all – for what it is really like once you enter the world of work, a study has found.
Research into 2,000 employed adults found that 75% agree they have gained their most valuable skills from learning on the job – which they were not able to do during their academic learning.
Some of the top skills only acquired after entering the working world include problem solving (19%), communication (26%), and adaptability (27%).
And as such, over a quarter (28%) wish they had pursued additional work experience or internships before starting their first full-time role.
In fact, of those who did so, 44% said this industry experience helped them to build confidence – which is particularly noteworthy given that those polled admitted it took them an average of six months to settle into their first “proper” job.
![Nursery apologises after child with Down's syndrome ‘treated less favourably’ eiqetiquziqhtinv](/upload/news/2023/02/01/25_m.jpg)
Young adults commonly feel “overwhelmed” and “out of their depth” when starting out in their careers. However, 28% of those with prior industry experience claim they developed a vital skillset from this experience, including the importance of teamwork.
Meanwhile, 24% felt more on top of their time management, and 13% were provided with key networking opportunities.
![Nearly half of workers feel academic education did not prepare them for careers](https://i2-prod.mirror.co.uk/money/jobs/article32187302.ece/ALTERNATES/n310p/0_Settling-into-work-infographic.jpg)
The research was commissioned to raise awareness of T-levels – a two-year, career-focused qualification for 16- to 19-year-olds, which is equivalent to three A-levels, and includes a 45-day industry placement.
TV presenters Adam Henson and Oti Mabuse have joined “the T-Team”, to highlight the benefits of the qualification.
Oti, who is supporting the engineering and manufacturing T-levels, said: “I started out my career in engineering, having studied it at university.
“Although I decided to become a dancer, the transferable skills and experience I gained while working were invaluable, and really built up my confidence when I decided on a career change. I credit my ability to problem solve – something I’ve used throughout my career – to my training in engineering.
“Having spoken to engineering T-level students, I’m blown away by how the curriculum has evolved, and how much more accessible on-the-job experience is through industry placements.”
The study went on to find that 37% believe they would have settled into their first job quicker if they had had prior industry experience – with 85% of people who have done on-the-job experience, likely to recommend it to someone about to enter the working world.
And 37% still consider ongoing professional development, and continuous learning, very important in their current career.
TV presenter, Adam Henson, who champions the agriculture, environmental, and animal care T-levels, added: “Hands-on experience doesn’t need to be in someone’s chosen industry to be helpful in their future career. It equips young minds with practical skills, resilience, and a deep understanding of the entire professional landscape.
![Striking teacher forced to take a second job to pay bills ahead of mass walkout](/upload/news/2023/02/01/56_m.jpg)
“Today's employers seek more than degrees – they seek competence and adaptability, and industry placements offer T-level students the opportunity to thrive and develop these skills in a workplace setting.
“I was lucky enough to get stuck into my career path at an early age, having grown up on a farm – but for young people who don’t have these opportunities, T-levels open up those options for them.”
To find out more about the T-team experts, see employer and parent testimonials, and access free resources, visit here.
Read more similar news:
Comments:
comments powered by Disqus![](/upload/news/2024/06/27/176126_m.jpg)
![](/upload/news/2024/06/27/176124_m.jpg)
![](/upload/news/2024/06/24/176066_m.jpg)
![](/upload/news/2024/06/23/176049_m.jpg)
![](/upload/news/2024/07/02/176201_m.jpg)
![](/upload/news/2024/07/02/176200_m.jpg)
![](/upload/news/2024/07/02/176199_m.jpg)
![](/upload/news/2024/07/01/176198_m.jpg)
![](/upload/news/2024/07/01/176197_m.jpg)
![](/upload/news/2024/07/01/176193_m.jpg)
![](/upload/news/2024/07/01/176192_m.jpg)
![](/upload/news/2024/07/01/176191_m.jpg)
![](/upload/news/2024/07/01/176190_m.jpg)
![](/upload/news/2024/07/01/176189_m.jpg)
![](/upload/news/2024/06/30/176186_m.jpg)
![](/upload/news/2024/06/30/176185_m.jpg)
![](/upload/news/2024/06/30/176184_m.jpg)
![](/upload/news/2024/06/30/176183_m.jpg)
![](/upload/news/2024/06/30/176182_m.jpg)
![](/upload/news/2024/06/30/176181_m.jpg)
![](/upload/news/2024/06/30/176180_m.jpg)
![](/upload/news/2024/06/30/176179_m.jpg)
![](/upload/news/2024/06/29/176178_m.jpg)
![](/upload/news/2024/06/29/176177_m.jpg)
![](/upload/news/2024/06/29/176176_m.jpg)
![](/upload/news/2024/06/29/176175_m.jpg)
![](/upload/news/2024/06/29/176173_m.jpg)