Let's talk about the future

It can be tricky to get teens to talk about anything, especially what they might want to do next. But do persevere and have these chats with them. Talking about their future will help them think about what they need to do now to get themselves on the right track for what they want to do afterwards. For example. if they want to become a gaming designer, it's not enough for them to be good at playing online games - they need to learn to programme.

Using a gentle approach

To avoid these conversations feeling heavy and something you and your teen both dread, we'd advise against having a big "sit down" talk. Instead, have these conversations little as part of the everyday. Something on the radio as you drive them to school? Ask them what they think. A friend of theirs taken up a new hobby? Ask why - is it more to it than a passing interest? Making supper together at home or out for a walk? Side by side chat is easier than face to face, as lack of eye contact makes the conversation feel less confrontational.

Keeping communication open

With so many years' experience, it can be tough as a parent to hold back on telling them when you think they're making a wrong choice or not being practical. To avoid this pitfall, we’ve included some of our favourite tips throughout this article for you to keep in mind when talking to your teen about their future.

There's good news!

The best news is that you don’t have to have all the answers! Listening is enough.

Giving them a chance to express their ambitions out loud without input (or interruptions!) from you can help them pinpoint whether this is really something they want to do, or just an idea they’re mulling over. If it is something they want to take further, they can chat to you about what steps they need to take next and how easy (or challenging) they might be. Or if they haven't thought that far yet, you can both start making a plan.

If they can't see long term yet

Don’t forget, whilst it helps to have an end goal in sight, planning doesn’t always have to be long term. If they have no idea yet what they might like to do as a career, then consider what they can do over the next year or two to keep their options open but still enable them to progress, learn and build their life experience.

Many subjects aren't job specific, and even vocational qualifications (such as those linked to industry specialisms) involve learning a lot of information that is valuable in different areas and will apply later, once they do know what they want to do. Let's say they took an apprenticeship with a financial institution, but later decided they didn't like finance. The skills they've learned in team building, time management, data analysis, leadership, showing initiative are all transferrable and would be valued in jobs within other industries.

Qualifications are part of the picture - not all of it

Remind them to think about what they’re doing outside the classroom too. Qualifications are important, but they are not the only consideration when taking next steps or moving towards a dream job.

To make that easier to understand, finding the right career is like your teen choosing somewhere they’d like to visit, not everything they would like to do once they've arrived. Getting qualifications is deciding how they’re going to get there. Walking, driving, taking a bus, train – there can be advantages and disadvantages for each. With this in mind, try not to limit conversations to traditional careers paths such as A levels and university. Chat about other options too, such as BTECs, T Levels, technical qualifications and apprenticeships.

Which pathway is right for them?

If you’re teen loves classroom learning and is great at exams, the"A level then university" pathway might be an ideal option for them. However, if they don’t do well in exams or prefer practical lessons, it could hinder their ability to flourish.

Once they’ve reached 18, they may not want to commit to a further three or four years’ of full-time study, ruling out university. However, this doesn’t rule out them getting a degree-level qualification. Take a look at our summary table below outlining all the different routes towards higher level qualifications.

Remember, different routes suit different learning styles. Your teen deserves to find the right path for them, giving them the best chance of being successful and getting where they want to be.

Let's get talking - board game

If having regular, short chats doesn't feel natural to you yet, try our “let’s get talking” careers boardgame. You'll need some dice to play - and might even need to give away some of your secrets too!

Download it here if your child is taking GCSE or here if they are in sixth form

In short

Keep chats and references to your teen's future plans ongoing, little and often. Watch out for prompts where you can introduce talk about your teen's future as part of the everyday - especially when it crops up on TV, radio or anything not direct aimed at them. All conversations will help to remind them what they need to do now to get themselves on the right track for their tomorrow.

If you'd like more information on all their choices after GCSE or sixth form, take a look at our specialist guides.