University blues: Almost Two Thirds Of Young Brits Feel That UCAS Course Options Are Not Relevant To A Private Sector

University blues: Almost Two Thirds Of Young Brits Feel That UCAS Course Options Are Not Relevant To A Private Sector. 

The Enterprise Investment Scheme Association have commissioned a new nationwide sentiment study to analyse those that constitute the future of the UK workforce - charged with picking up the post-Brexit pieces and driving an EU-free private sector forward. Commissioned across 2004 respondents, the research paints a disconcerting picture of frustrated determination; millennials are keen to succeed in high-skilled sectors, but without the necessary training and educational infrastructure to unlock their talent are stuck looking in from the outside. Key insights from the full body of research include:

• 51% of 18-34 year olds would instigate a career change into a higher skilled sector later in life but don’t feel they have the academic or professional support to do so
• 61% of millennials feel that the UK’s university course options need to be more relevant to an increased number of high-skilled sectors in the UK private sector
• 25% are considering leaving as they feel there are more career opportunities outside of the UK

The report – launched today – offers further insight into the crossover between the academic and professional business arenas, and whether the former can truly support the latter as we move towards a post-Brexit future.

• 26% said that the degree they read was unrelated to the career path they pursued
• 37% said that their academic qualifications did not prepare them for their current career due to the technical nature of the field they are in
• 39% don’t feel that UCAS options reflect the true requirements of the modern UK private-sector
• 24% have taken a weekend/night-class alongside their day-job so they can move to a higher-skilled sector
• 39% want to work in new-age tech but do not feel they have the adequate educational or professional resources to do so
• 39% wish they had entered their career through a traineeship/apprenticeship rather than going to university as the hands-on experience has proven more valuable for their present role
• 25% are considering leaving as they feel there are more career opportunities outside of the UK
• 19% believe there are more highly skilled job opportunities outside of the UK, and this will increase post-Brexit
• 24% are considering leaving the UK to pursue academic opportunities abroad

Mark Brownridge, Director General of the Enterprise Investment Scheme Association, said of the results: “Overall EISA has repeatedly heard from SMEs that they are more worried about the lack of skilled labour coming in from the EU to provide them with the technical skills and workforce they require to drive their business forward due to a lack of technically skilled people. The two main problems that all entrepreneurs face is cash – or the lack of it – and people. The Chancellor’s Spring Statement announcement of an £80m apprenticeship fund helped shore up SMEs on both fronts, but there is a clear need to go further. The results of this report should serve as a call to action for all in the industry to contribute to building a higher-skilled, post-Brexit workforce.”