1. Changing Attitudes towards Vocational Education and Apprenticeships Sutton Trust-Pearson Higher Ambitions Summit 2014 NFER: Tami McCrone

2. 2 Background In order to change attitudes we need to understand what the evidence says about how young people make decisions Evidence includes: Careers Brief – ASCL, ATL, NFER, 157 Group Widening 14-19 choices: support for young people making informed decisions - NFER 2009 National Evaluation of Diplomas - NFER 2009 - 2011

3. How do young people make decisions ? 3 Personal agency - Mindsets - Skills External influences - Parents - Employers Structural factors - Type of school - Careers education - IAG

4. What types of information do young people planning to take a vocational route value and use? 4 About… How… Content Progression Learning style/method Practicalities Location/travel Practicalities Location/travel Tailored Comprehensive and impartial Well-informed Timely Varied formats

5. Conclusion Schools can make a difference to informing young people’s decisions Collaborative provision (including from employers, providers and parents) is in best interests of young people 5 In order to change attitudes towards voc ed and apprenticeships, we need to ensure that young people are able to make informed decisions about all courses/training and how they will be able to apply their knowledge and skills to a future job.

6. NFER provides evidence for excellence through its independence and insights, the breadth of its work, its connections, and a focus on outcomes. National Foundation for Educational Research The Mere, Upton Park Slough, Berks SL1 2DQ T: 01753 574123 F: 01753 691632 E: enquiries@nfer.ac.uk www.nfer.ac.uk