Our country is experiencing the greatest challenge it has faced since the Second World War, with considerable strain on employers and frontline services. Yet at the same time many are reflecting on how to build a better future for themselves and their families.
With new working arrangements in place for the majority of people; such as working from home, in isolation or not, more time is being given to reflect on what work might look like in the future. The Coronavirus pandemic combined with the fourth industrial revolution and developments in Artificial Intelligence mean that one thing’s for certain; the future of work will be different.
On an individual level, people are asking themselves the following questions:
- Is it worth me retraining for a different job?
- If my job disappears what kind of jobs are there?
- Can I afford to upgrade my skills and how do I do it?
Adults may be thinking about how to prepare for a changing economic world, whereas young people are more likely to be considering a job that is meaningful or one that they’ll enjoy. Support for young people mainly comes via the school or college that they attend. The National Careers Service was set up by government to help individuals make decisions on learning, training and work. It helps adults, discover career pathways, through its online platform and one-to-one guidance by qualified careers advisers and provides an information and advice service for young people via it’s helpline
Careers England is calling for a national conversation about how to support people into employment post the pandemic and how to use this time to reflect on the meaning of work for them and identify their future career aspirations.
Katharine Horler, Chief Executive of Adviza and Chair of Careers England, said: “It’s important to remember that this time of uncertainty and challenge also provides opportunity, whether chosen or enforced – a chance to reflect, make plans, change direction. Careers guidance has an important role to play in helping young people facing educational uncertainty and changing options and adults choosing a different lifestyle or having change forced on them by circumstances such as job loss make good choices at difficult times.”
Kieran Gordon, Chief Executive of Career Connect, added: “In the past week we have taken a step into the future of work with millions home-working, most for the first time. New patterns of employment will emerge as the economy recovers and grows. People will need to reassess their worth, grow their resilience and guarantee their livelihoods in this changing world. They will need help to evaluate their options and make positive career decisions.”
