How to prepare students for new ways of working

As counsellors, our role is pivotal in preparing students for a world that is changing rapidly. By staying informed about the latest trends in education and the workforce, and effectively communicating these trends to stakeholders, we play a critical part in shaping the futures of the young minds we counsel.

Our efforts not only impact individual students, but also contribute to the broader community by fostering a generation of well-prepared, adaptable and conscientious individuals. Every day offers a new opportunity to make a lasting impact.

So what are the current trends that we – and our students – should be aware of?

1. Partnerships between companies and educational institutions

Trend: Increasingly, businesses are partnering with colleges to design curricula that bridge the skills gaps in the workplace. These partnerships are creating more industry-relevant courses, ensuring that students are job-ready upon graduation.

Action: Stay informed about such partnerships and their implications for students. Guide students towards programmes that are aligned with industry needs, and facilitate connections with industry professionals for real-world insights.

Best practice: Invite local companies to speak to students about the skills that they feel new employees are lacking, and then create school workshops with parents in the industry to build the required skills. Our school often invites university lecturers to speak in person and online.

2. Recruitment of younger talent

Trend: Companies are now targeting younger talent, often directly from high schools, and this is competing with traditional university pathways.

Action: Provide students with information about apprenticeship programmes, internships and early career opportunities. Help them weigh the pros and cons of direct entry into the workforce versus higher education.

Best practice: Encourage students to use their talent by joining programmes such as Junior Achievement or Young Enterprise, allowing them to actively create a product and then market and sell it. Help students to package themselves and their talents better, with advice and workshops on creating LinkedIn profiles and CVs.

3. Agile courses and degree programmes

Trend: Universities are developing more flexible and agile courses in response to changing industry demands and student needs.

Action: Familiarise yourself with these new courses and advise students on how they can align with their career aspirations and learning styles.

Best practice: Organise and promote taster lectures on new courses. Use a monthly newsletter to explore emerging courses and the jobs linked to them. In our school, we have a termly newsletter that spotlights new courses, such as those linked to sustainability or creativity.

4. Focus on personality and soft skills

Trend: Following the Covid-19 pandemic, there is a heightened emphasis on personality traits and soft skills over traditional qualifications.

Action: Encourage students to develop soft skills, such as communication, teamwork and adaptability. Offer workshops or sessions focusing on these areas.

Best practice: Encourage students to join clubs, such as the Duke of Edinburgh Award, Mooting Club, Model United Nations, sports or drama. Schools have a wealth of clubs that students can attend to build their skills. Allow students to take a leadership role where appropriate, and to set up their own clubs.

5. Hybrid models of studying and working

Trend: The pandemic has accelerated the adoption of hybrid models for studying and working.

Action: Educate students about the benefits and challenges of hybrid models. Help them to develop skills for remote learning and working, such as digital literacy and self-discipline.

Best practice: Build in remote communication with students, using Zoom or Teams, and encourage departments in the school to build students’ digital literacy. Consider using Zoom or Teams for interview practice.

6. Lifelong learning and micro-courses

Trend: There is a growing focus on lifelong learning, with students potentially enrolling in universities for continuous education through micro-courses.

Action: Promote the concept of lifelong learning among students. Guide them in selecting micro-courses that can enhance their skills and keep them competitive in the job market.

Best practice: Try to encourage your school to create a block of micro-courses that students can take for extra credit. Make use of student talent and ask students to create digital content to teach other students about skills they have perfected.

7. AI, sustainability and global mindset in the workplace

Trend: Companies are increasingly focused on sustainability, global awareness and technological advancements, such as artificial intelligence (AI).

Action: Advise students on the importance of staying abreast of technology, understanding global issues and embracing sustainable practices. Encourage them to seek out courses and experiences that build these competencies.

Best practice: Our school has introduced projects that encourage students to think about recycling, with links to local businesses. We also use Erasmus projects to help students to connect globally.