Future First were thrilled to be praised in the Opposition day debate on careers services for young people, which took place in the House of Commons on September 13th, during which MPs called on the government to guarantee face-to-face careers advice for every young person in the UK.

Discussing the employability skills deficit among many young people, Andy Burnham MP, Shadow Secretary of State for Education, quoted figures from the Future First research report, Social Mobility, Careers Advice & Alumni networks, published earlier this year. http://www.futurefirst.org.uk/social-mobility-careers-report.pdf

He stated that “I genuinely find it appalling that… 39% of 16 to 19 year olds who went to a state school do not know anyone in a career in which they would like to work,” and called for recognition that role models could be key to young people’s fulfilment of their ambitions.

Watch Andy Burnham talk about the Future First report by clicking here, and scrolling to 26:20:

Future First are also delighted by the continuing support of Stephen Twigg MP, who joined Mr Burnham in citing our report, and who praised the effectiveness and value of Future First’s programmes.

Watch Stephen Twigg reiterate his desire to see the Future First programme extended to schools in Liverpool, by clicking here and scrolling to 1:50:40.

Future First are really looking forward to our upcoming meeting with education and business leaders in Liverpool, which we hope will bring us one step closer to making Mr Twigg’s hope a reality.

Future First always welcomes these debates, and conversations with members of all political parties to ensure that every young person in the UK has access to a model of careers advice that encompasses formal careers advice, role models and exposure to different work environments, so that every young person can fulfil their aspirations.