|
UP2UNI is an independent organisation focused on research that enables young people to make informed decisions about their education or training, and to develop successful transitions that help them achieve their career goals. Registered with Companies House as a Community Interest Company, we operate on a non-profit basis, with the Directors donating their time.
We created UP2UNI in response to a practitioner research project we ran in Greater Manchester schools during 2002/2003. One finding was that teachers and tutors were a principal source of advice for students making decisions about university, but they rarely had any training for that role, an issue amply demonstrated when a conference to disseminate the findings attracted hundreds of delegates but very few teachers could get time out to attend. UP2UNI was therefore designed to take support to the front line, reaching hundreds of staff in workplaces across the northwest of England with training tailored to the needs of the school or college, and so embedding good practice that benefited thousands of students. Funding from the LSDA, the northwest LSCs, and Aimhigher supported UP2UNI activities until 2011 when a national restructure of careers and guidance services ended our income streams, but the demand for our work had not diminished, so we established UP2UNI as a non-profit company. The initial purpose of UP2UNI was to help sixth forms and colleges better understand how to support first-generation university applicants. 20 years on, the costs of university have risen, graduate opportunities have diminished, and the scope of UP2UNI has broadened to include employment-based career paths. Our research now spans the 14 to 21 age range, in recognition that students’ 14-16 choices can broaden or narrow their later options, and that many young people do not make career decisions whilst at school. UP2UNI does not offer careers guidance nor do we promote any particular progression routes; our focus is on the decision-making process itself, the underlying factors that determine the choices that young people will have, and what can be done to support them to make successful transitions that lead to fulfilling careers. Our work is about supporting those NEXT STEPS, and is underpinned by three key elements: |
“Our vision is a future in which all young people have the knowledge and understanding "Our research shows that too many young people 'don't know what they don't know'. You can't make good decisions unless you are aware of all the facts." |
|
Young people can only make fully informed decisions if they are able to consider all of their options, but they are faced with a bewildering range of choices. School and college staff often tell us it’s a challenge to ensure that every student gets the information, advice and guidance that matches their personal circumstances. Many young people begin making decisions about their future with limited knowledge. Our research shows that given the right information, they quickly realise the implications of post-14 choices, the full complexity of UCAS, and the opportunities provided by apprenticeships and other employment-based routes to a career. Understanding of the links between qualifications and careers is often poor, and a belief that having any degree will lead to a 'good job' is common, though not supported by labour market statistics. Our research shows that given the right tools, most young people will explore all routes to a career before making decisions. UP2UNI projects are designed around research tools that help young people to unpick the decision-making process they are using at key transition stages, enabling them (and those advising them) to identify - and fill - any gaps in knowledge and understanding.
|
|
UP2UNI is a COMMUNITY INTEREST COMPANY, registration number 07715249
|
|