As teenagers approach the end of compulsory education and consider their options beyond school or college, it’s importantthat they are equipped with the right skills to help them thrive in the world of work. Here are some of the key skills and attributes parents and teachers should focus on developing in teenagers to set them up for success in their future careers.
Developing Strong Communication Skills
The ability to communicate clearly and effectively is one of the most essential skills for any workplace. Teens should be encouraged to build their verbal communication skills by presenting ideas confidently in class and engaging constructively in discussions. Written communication is equally key – tasks like writing formal emails, reports or CVs will be part of most professional roles so it’s good practice for teens to work on structuring their writing clearly. Being a good listener is also vitally important. If you are fostering in Scotland and you have teenagers, teaching them to pay close attention to instructions, ask pertinent questions, and recap information demonstrates good communication etiquette for the workplace.
Building Teamwork and Collaboration
Most jobs involve working collaboratively as part of a team. Group projects at school are useful preparation for this and encourage vital skills like cooperation, problem-solving and compromise. Teens can also gain teamwork skills from extra-curricular activities like sport, music or volunteering. Assigning distinct roles within a team and rotating responsibilities helps teenagers appreciate how various skills contribute towards a shared goal. This understanding of how team dynamics work will help teens thrive in future workplace collaboration.
Developing Time Management and Self-Motivation
Being organised and self-motivated are essential lifelong skills for achieving goals and managing workloads. Teenagers can build time management skills by estimating how long tasks will take and planning action steps. Setting reminders, prioritising urgent tasks and revising schedules are all good habits to get into. To boost self-motivation, focusing on personal development and setting short-term targets creates positive reinforcement when goals are achieved. Having ownership over their tasks helps teenagers take responsibility for getting work done without constant supervision.
Learning Job Search Skills
Entering the job market for the first time can be daunting without the right preparation. Teenagers can get a head start on job search skills by working on their CVs and covering letters, practicing interview techniques and using online job sites to search for suitable openings. Building online professional profiles, networking and contacting companies directly about work experience opportunities or apprenticeships will all give teenagers a taste of the job hunt process while still at school. The more exposure they can get to recruitment processes, the better prepared teens will be.
Gaining Work Experience
Work experience, part-time jobs and vocational tasters in industries of interest are invaluable for teenagers preparing to enter the workforce. Experiencing professional working environments first-hand provides useful insights into the skills and behaviours expected in the workplace. It also helps teenagers decide which career paths best suit their strengths and interests. Whether during work experience placements, voluntary roles or paid employment, teens will pick up vital transferable skills to boost their future employability.
With planning and support from parents and teachers, teenagers can gain the essential skills and experiences while still at school to help them transition smoothly into the world of work and set them on the path to fulfilling careers.
