One in five young people think they have been led down the wrong educational path, with almost half of these being misdirected by their own parents. 

Many parents are influenced by ingrained prejudices against vocational qualifications - with 35 per cent believing that vocational learning is just for people who don't do well at school.

The Edge campaign seeks to tackle this prejudice head-on.

Challenging prejudices

There are a wide range of learning opportunities available to young people through further education, Apprenticeships and jobs that offer workplace learning and vocational degrees.

Parents need to stop thinking of academic qualifications as the only route to success.

Choosing the right path

By encouraging people to re-assess their views of practical and vocational learning, both parents and children will benefit.

Young people will learn more, achieve more, will be given more freedom to choose and become engaged and fulfilled in their educational experience.

This can lead to rewarding jobs with excellent opportunities. And in turn, parents will feel empowered to guide their child to the most appropriate learning route for them.

City & Guilds have over 500 vocational training options, find out which is right for you.

Find out more about the campaign for vocational education at the Edge campaign website.