A study of 2,000 kids aged 6-14 has revealed that three in five children are worried they may not be able to get a job when they grow up. The study, by KidZania London, also found that older children aged 11 to 14 first want to secure a well-paying job that will allow them to live a nice life (50%), followed by wanting a job that fits in with their favourite hobbies. The top jobs desired by young people are being a YouTuber, teacher or athlete.
Oracy
Who knows what jobs will be available in the future. The question is, do you think jobs will still be important in ten or 20 years’ time? Won’t we have computers and AI to do most of the work for us? Wouldn’t you like to spend your time doing what you like, rather than working? Or does a job give your life more of a purpose? Doesn’t having to work most of your days make your free time more enjoyable and your earnings more precious? What do you think?
Writing skills
Invent a job that you would like to do when you grow up. It can be anything you like, sensible or fun, but make sure you include a job title and outline some of the tasks you will be responsible for.
Or
Imagine you have just got a job as a YouTuber. Write a short, imagined dialogue between you and a relative who lived 60 years ago (so they know about television but not about the internet) explaining what your work will involve and why it’s necessary. Make it as funny or serious as you like but remember to use the conventions of a playscript.
Investigate
Name five jobs that people do today that did not exist 50 years ago. Use your research skills to check how long that work has been available.
What is First News?
Launched in May 2006, First News is the most trusted weekly newspaper for young audiences, covering global headlines and empowering children with an understanding of the world in which they are growing up.
To find out more about how First News could help your school unlock the power of news-based learning, through high quality, weekly resources alongside the print and digital newspaper, visit the First News Education website.