Young people turning to YouTube for careers advice

Young people are rejecting traditional sources of job advice, according to new research.

With the rise of this “self-service generation”, young individuals are turning to the internet for guidance instead of family, friends and teachers.

The Office of National Statistics (ONS) figures reveal that over half a million 11-15 year olds (15%) are searching for careers information on YouTube. Compared to research by YouGov in 2012, it showed that 70% of this age group in 2012 went to teachers for recommendation.

More traditional resources have become less popular with 32% of young people seeking information from a careers adviser and 62% speaking to teachers, showing a 12% decrease. Despite parents being the main source (66%), a quarter of school children supposedly speak to their friends, 27% use Google and 12% use other social media platforms.