Hairdressing students stand the best chance of job success according to new research into the destination of college leavers across Greater Manchester.
Produced by New Economy, who delivers research for Greater Manchester’s economy and prosperity, the survey recorded 500 former students current employment situation between 12-17 months after leaving their course in the summer of 2013.
Hair and beauty students had the best employment outcomes of three subject areas which also included motor mechanics, digital and creative.
However, the report concluded that in terms of finding work, students who had worked previously before taking their studies had a better chance of finding a job than students who hadn’t.
Stephen Overell, principal for employment and skills at New Economy, said: “Many factors influence the ultimate destinations of learners, it is clear that work experience can play an important part in preparing young people for work.”
The study found that 46% of former learners in hair and beauty went into permanent work or self-employment, with 43% of motor mechanic students and 24% of digital and creative students.
Overall, 33% of students went on to do further learning, 30% went into employment and 25% were unemployed at the time of survey.
Motor mechanics were the group which had the highest unemployment rate at 33%.
Many have argued that FE colleges should be judged on whether they get people into work, but Mr Overell said the report cautions how difficult this aim is ‘likely to be in practice’.
Mr Overell went onto say: “Colleges are multi-purpose institutions and people pursue many different learning and career trajectories while at them.”
Of those surveyed, 65% stated ‘general interest’ as the reason they chose their course against 22% who said they hoped to improve their job prospects.
Mr Overell also said: “What is clear is that there is a need for a consistent destination tacking system to enable meaningful comparisons between subject areas and between institutions.”
