[c]
Futuretrack in 2009
At a time when there is considerable debate about the impact of recession on graduate opportunities, this longitudinal study will help to give an accurate indication of the participants’ opinions and experiences of both higher education and their future plans. The research is funded by the Higher Education Careers Service Unit (HECSU) in collaboration with the University and Colleges Admission Service (UCAS) and is part of a wider programme of research into career-making and the careers information and advice required by those entering the labour market in the early 21st century.
In autumn 2005 a sample of 3,500 2005 UCAS applicants responded to the pilot survey and provided information including their reasons for applying to higher education, their course choices and career plans and their experience of the UCAS application process. The report particularly reveals the need for careers advice to take into account the diversity of applicants’ backgrounds and needs. It can be accessed via the link on the right and a short Stage 2 report will be available shortly.
The Futuretrack 2006 Stage 1 survey drew responses from 130,000 2006 UCAS applicants. These were contacted again in 2007 and are currently being invited to complete the Stage 3 questionnaire. The Stage 1 survey asked participants about their financial and career plans and about the careers advice and information that guided their decision making; the results can be found in the reports on the right. The Stage 2 report will be published at the end of summer 2009. The participants are being tracked again in winter 2011/2012 by which time most will be in the labour market, including those who did not enter higher education, those who took gap years and those who proceeded to postgraduate study.
Updated August 2009
