More Students Choosing Study Over Working

A new report found that more teenagers are choosing to study than take part-time jobs.

19:24 17 June 2015

A new study conducted by the UK Commission for Employment and Skills (UKCES) found that the number of 16 and 17-years-old who are juggling work and school has dropped by 50per cent since 1996 due to pressure of exams and lack of opportunities. Today, only one in five has a part-time job while in college. 

 

"Exams were my priority," says Rebecca North, 18, who has just finished year 13 and applied to go to university.

 

"I didn't feel that I could set time aside to work as well as revise, do school and still have time for hobbies and socialising."

 

"I do feel sometimes I'm scrounging off my parents but for me education is really important and I didn't feel I could compromise that," Rebecca adds.

 

Fiona Kendrick, CEO of Nestle UK and Ireland and Commissioner at UKCES, commented: "It seems that young people are actively shunning the idea of working while studying, as the fear of not doing well pervades our society. Yet this could be a short-sighted tactic, as we know from employers that experience of the world of work is their number one 'ask' when recruiting.

 

"Millions of young people are lacking the experience of the world of work that will help them find jobs in the future," says Ms Kendrick.

"Work is important. Studies are important. But one should not preclude the other.

 

"It's about getting a good balance to give yourself the best chance."