This Social Mobility Commission report investigated the drivers of socio-economic differences in post-16 course choices and their likely social mobility consequences. It found that young people from disadvantaged backgrounds – particularly women – are more likely to choose courses with lower earning prospects.
As they reach the age of 16, young people make critical decisions – this is a pivotal moment that will have a lasting impact on their future prospects in life. These choices strongly influence their future educational opportunities, employment prospects and how much they’ll go on to earn. In other words, they impact social mobility.
This report investigates why there are differences in education course choices – and their likely consequences.
The report examines the correlation between course choice and future earnings and says that students' choice of a post-16 technical course is a driving force behind the gender pay gap between most disadvantaged men and women.
The report finds that those pursuing traditional academic qualifications (A levels followed by university) rank amongst the highest earners in later life, while those pursing technical qualifications usually rank lowest. The trouble is, from a social mobility perspective, this creates what can be deemed an ‘artificial barrier’ for young people who come from a disadvantaged background.