Parents and carers
According to research, parents and carers are the single biggest influence on their child’s career choices. You can help them by talking about their ideas and helping them find out more about the options they have, so they choose the route that best suits their skills, interests and future plans.
To help parents and carers support young people with the choices they have in Year 8/9 and in Year 11, we have produced two handouts containing general information about their options.
We have also produced additional information in an article for parents/carers of young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
The handouts and article give an overview of the options available and also provide more information about the ways in which parents and carers can help young people with their career decisions. They also detail other sources of information and advice that are available.
In addition to using the general information in the handouts, it is also important to find out what is available locally.
- Key stage 4 options will differ from school to school. Most schools hold an options evening and produce detailed information (an options booklet) about the subjects and qualifications they offer.
- Post-16 options will also vary.
- Schools in some areas will have sixth forms, whereas in other areas there will be large colleges and sixth form colleges. Institutions will offer a range of different courses at different levels and have different facilities. Check out the websites of local sixth forms and colleges and attend their open events to find out more about what they offer and to look at their facilities.
- Jobs and apprenticeships available in your local area will depend on the needs of the labour market locally. For example, in some areas of the country the manufacturing industry may be a sector that employs large numbers of people, whereas in other areas, hospitality and tourism may be dominant.
- For young people with special educational needs and disabilities, information about provision should be detailed in the 'Local Offer' which is available on each council's website.
Most young people will have an appointment with a careers adviser to help them with their career decisions. If young people have already done some research into their career ideas and the options available to them, this will help them work with their careers adviser to identify the most appropriate next steps.
Research is key to helping young people make informed career decisions, and they can use MyDirections to find out about local school and college open days and other careers events. Information about local job and apprenticeship vacancies can also be found on the homepage. For young people who have a password to use MyDirections, they can use the site to explore their career ideas and find out more detailed information about all their options.
Be sure to contact your careers team in school or college for any further help and support.
Labour Market & Careers News for Parents and Carers
For over 10 years C+K have produced the C+K careers newsletter, ‘Labour Market & Careers News’, for careers advisers, careers leaders and teachers. We are delighted to announce that alongside each edition of Careers News, we are now producing a version for parents and carers! ‘Labour Market & Careers News for Parents and Carers’ has the latest information about careers events, courses, apprenticeships, qualifications and labour market trends. Find the latest copies below:
Labour Market & Careers News for Parents and Carers April 2026
Labour Market & Careers News for Parents and Carers June 2026.pdf