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Sims et al 2001
Citation Text:
Sims, D. Nelson, J., Golden, S. and Spielhofer, T. (2001) Young people’s experiences of the Learning Gateway. Research Report RR277. London: Department for Education and Skills.Editorial Comment:
Focus of study
This study investigated young people’s experiences of the Learning Gateway. Gateway clients are supported by a Personal Adviser (PA) and progress to Life Skills courses or mainstream learning and employment. Data was collected using qualitative interviews/ discussions with 152 young people aged 16-18, and interviews with eight careers service managers and 17 Personal Advisers.
Key findings
Interaction with a PA is regarded as critical. On the whole young people were very positive about the personal support and practical help they had received from their PA. In particular they valued having a trusting relationship with one person on whom they could rely, and practical help in making applications and job-search. Some reported gaining enhanced career-related skills such as job search, CV preparation and interview techniques. The Gateway helped young people develop a more positive attitude and greater self-confidence. The majority of leavers moved on mainstream education or training, mainly leading to NVQ level 2 or GNVQ Intermediate.
Additional comments
Findings reflect other studies of the role of PAs in government initiatives. It may not be appropriate to compare this level of support and provided to this particular group with guidance afforded to other groups and at different levels of intensity. It is difficult to assess how many young people identified the benefits listed in the absence of quantitative data and limited qualitative descriptors (e.g. many, some, a few) are included.