Primary school children should receive careers advice and be encouraged to question their dreams of becoming popstars, according to an influential cross-party group of MPs.
In a report to be launched later this month, the Associate Parliamentary Skills Group and National Skills Forum will also call for increased funds for adult training; a greater focus on apprenticeships and training tax breaks for small businesses.
“Careers advice should be given to every child of primary-school age,” said Barry Sheerman, a Labour member of the forum.
“For too many children, a future as a fairy princess or pop star is the only dream they have, and it doesn’t occur to them to aspire to go to university, be a doctor or a scientist.
“It would, of course, have to be done in a delicate way,” he told the Observer newspaper. “We are not suggesting sitting a five-year-old child down with a list of firm options but you need to inspire the imagination of the children to see where their potential could lead them.”
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