Technology has changed almost every aspect of our lives.  

It’s changed how we shop, how we bank and how we date. Technology has revolutionised the whole global economy, so it’s also impacted careers advice at every level – from guidance in schools to upskilling at work.  

But there’s still more to be done. Using algorithms to assess skills is one thing, but actually embracing technology and using it to inform young people about career options. If you’ve ever seen a teenager on their smartphone, you’ll know that young people love using their phones to do everything. It’s how they want to share, discover and learn – so it should be how we deliver careers advice too.  

Social media 

Young people love social media, so it’s a great place to grab their attention and promote career opportunities. You can use social platforms to engage with your audience, advertise job fairs and collaborate with employers and colleges in your area – it's an opportunity not to miss! 

Gamification 

Like most of us, young people like being rewarded for the small steps they take as well as the big achievements. Young people are likely to be drawn to programmes that use technology to gamify work, track progress and record performance – so get in the game!  

Face-to-face time 

A recent study into careers guidance interventions found that young people want fast information and quick communication. They also value face-to-face time, so using an online video-calling tool, like Skype, is a great solution.  

Smartphone apps  

We already know young people love to use their phones, so make sure your careers portal or job adverts are mobile responsive. Apps can be used for training too, so make sure you offer a wide range of courses that use technology in their delivery.  

Why is this important for FE?  

Since the Baker Clause was introduced in January 2018, FE providers are now allowed to go into schools to speak to students about vocational training. This is all well and good, but it hasn’t had the momentum we all hoped for. Colleges and training providers need to do more to reach young people and explain the benefits of vocational training – one of which is technology itself.  

Many training providers use technology to deliver training, so young people can use their phones to access resources, speak to tutors, upload evidence and track their progress. It’s how young people want to learn – so it’s a big selling point for vocational training.  

At OneFile, our learning software is loved by 700,000 users around the globe. Users can learn in a way that suits them, anytime, anywhere, on any device. They can share learning entries to create a timeline of learning – just like social media. And they can message and Skype online. OneFile is the perfect recipe for learner engagement.  

To find out more about OneFile and why learners love it so much, download our free guide.