Romford teens speak about career prospects

�Teenagers and their parents had the chance to speak to personal advisors from a careers service last week to discuss their future job options.

Staff from Prospects were at the Liberty Shopping Centre in Romford.

The government has announced it will raise the compulsory school leaving age to 17, and then to 18 in 2015.

Courses

It is part of plans to stop unemployment among young people leaving full-time education.

Advisors talked through a range of options with visitors including college courses, apprenticeships, the chance to do on-the-job training and volunteering.

The event was part of the council’s campaign Learn Longer for a Better Future, which aims to inform young people about the upcoming change and give them more information about how it can benefit them.

Matt Joyce, operations manager at Prospects, said: “Raising participation age is a significant change for young people and it is important that they and their parents receive accurate information and guidance regarding the implications of these changes.

“Our advisors have been available at various events across the borough including this one to ensure those affected have the information they need to prepare for this change.”

About a hundred young people and parents were spoken to by advisors throughout Wednesday last week.

Cllr Paul Rochford, cabinet member for children and learning, said: “This is a major change to our education system, and one which will affect every pupil reaching Year 11 after 2012.

“It’s important that all Havering students understand this change and how it will affect them.

“There are a range of options open to them, including academic courses, as well as more practical work.”