Parents Say Mental Health Is Biggest Teen Employment Barrier 2023
Itec, a Wales-wide training provider, found that poor mental health is the biggest obstacle to teen employment, according to parents.
In a study of 1,000 Welsh parents of teens, 82% were anxious about their child’s future, with poor mental health topping the list at 69.9%. Welsh suburban parents worry most about their teens’ future (89.7%).
Itec released the research during Children’s Mental Health Week (6th–12th February), just months after investing in wellbeing software for learners in the Jobs Growth Wales+ programme at its centres to provide tailored, evidence-based health and wellbeing solutions.
Itec’s investment lets its regional centers around the country track which issues are affecting their students most. In turn, the team knows what assistance to provide, providing a pleasant emotional atmosphere for learning.
Itec delivers the Welsh Government’s Jobs Growth Wales+ initiative to 16-19-year-olds to help them find work or continue their education. Itec’s mental health and wellness support follows this approach to produce a full, balanced curriculum.
It’s crucial to raise awareness of mental health’s effects on youth and the need for safe and supportive workplaces.
Red Dot 365 encourages students to track their mental health and wellness and discover what works for them. The personal portal’s “Red Dot” function connects learners in distress to a competent mental health therapist and coach 24/7.
As part of the Jobs Growth Wales+ program, Itec helps learners develop confidence (36%), preparation (33%), and skills and qualifications (32%). A flexible curriculum that includes work tasters, placements, and full-time jobs with local firms helps learners achieve experience, confidence, and employment.
Jobs Growth Wales+, delivered by Itec, helps 16–19-year-olds gain skills, credentials, and experience for employment or further training. The program is customized for each student because no two people are alike.
Itec delivers Job Growth Wales+ at its centres in Cardiff, Newport, Torfaen, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Caerphilly, Monmouthshire, The Vale of Glamorgan, Blaenau Gwent, Bridgend, and Neath.
