Careers education should start early — and opportunity must be fair

Children should be able to imagine a future that feels possible. Meeting people who do different jobs, trying practical activities and seeing how skills are used in the real world can help them explore what interests them.

But introducing children to careers should not mean putting pressure on them to choose a job too soon. It should mean opening doors, challenging assumptions and making sure every young person can access meaningful opportunities — not only those with helpful family contacts.

In a recent BBC report on Alan Milburn’s recommendations⁠, the author of a major review into young people’s activity says children should be introduced to the world of work in primary school. He also argues that work experience should be mandatory for pupils aged 14 to 16.

Why careers education in primary schools matters

Children begin to form ideas about what they are good at and what futures might be open to them well before they reach secondary school. Those ideas can be shaped by what they see around them — and by whether anyone helps them discover what else is possible.

Age-appropriate careers education can help broaden those horizons. A conversation with a nurse, mechanic, artist, business owner, builder or care worker can introduce children to jobs they may not know exist. A workplace visit or practical activity can help them connect what they learn in school with the world beyond the classroom.

The aim is not for a seven-year-old to decide what they want to do for a living. It is to encourage curiosity, confidence and a sense that there are many different routes into work and enterprise.

Work experience must not depend on family connections

The BBC report highlights a major gap in access to work experience: around four in ten 14- to 16-year-olds are not getting any. It also points out that some pupils are expected to find their own placement, which can rely on their parents’ or carers’ networks.

That is not a fair system. A young person’s access to a first opportunity should not depend on whether their family knows an employer.

Schools, businesses, councils and community organisations can work together to build a wider network of placements. That network should include young people who might not already feel confident approaching an employer, as well as those who need additional support to take part.

Good work experience should offer more than a quick look around. Young people need a clear role, practical tasks, a supportive adult and useful feedback about the skills they have shown and what they could try next.

Employers can help children see what is possible

Employers do not have to wait until pupils are about to leave school before getting involved. They can support careers education through school talks, demonstrations, workplace visits, mentoring and tasters that let children try simple, suitable activities.

This can benefit employers too. Young people gain a clearer picture of local jobs and industries, while employers have the chance to share their knowledge and help build future pathways into their sector.

Community organisations can help make those connections practical. They often have trusted relationships with young people and can help shape experiences around their interests, strengths and support needs.

Learning through real activity

Young people can build valuable skills by taking part in practical, community-based projects. Through youth-led enterprise, they can experience teamwork, communication, customer service, problem-solving and responsibility in a real setting.

For example, We Shine Any Car gives young people the chance to take part in a working community enterprise. Activities like this can help them practise skills, contribute to something visible and start to recognise what they can achieve.

These experiences can complement school learning and formal work placements. They give young people opportunities to learn by doing, build confidence and explore their next steps.

Keep early careers learning positive and age-appropriate

Some parents worry that talking about careers too early could rush children into growing up. That concern should be taken seriously.

Primary-age careers education should be about discovery, not pressure. Children should be able to meet people from different professions, ask questions and try new things without being expected to make decisions about their future.

As pupils get older, that early curiosity can develop into more structured careers guidance and meaningful work experience. Each stage should be appropriate to their age and circumstances.

A stronger pathway from school to opportunity

The BBC reports that Milburn’s education recommendations relate specifically to England, and that the final instalment of his review is expected this autumn. Whatever the final proposals, the principle is worth acting on: young people need fair access to the relationships and experiences that help them see a way forward.

That takes more than a one-off careers event. It takes lasting links between schools, employers and community partners, with young people’s voices shaping the opportunities on offer.

At Genuine Futures CIC, we believe in prevention through opportunity: helping young people recognise their strengths, build trusted relationships and take practical steps towards education, employment and enterprise. Bridging the gap to hope and opportunity starts with opening the right doors early.

Work with Genuine Futures

Are you a school, employer or community organisation interested in creating practical opportunities for young people? Get in touch with Genuine Futures CIC to explore how we can work together.

Source: BBC News, “Employers should teach primary-age children about work, says Milburn⁠,” published 30 September 2026, updated 1 October 2026.