Research released by the government’s public services branch Directgov has revealed that 90 per cent of parents are worried about giving their children the right advice about what to do after school.

The survey also indicated that children are largely dependent on this advice with almost half (45 per cent) of those who took part saying that they turn to their parents as the first port of call for advice about their options.

With a record number of university applicants this year and a cap on extra places at universities throughout the UK conspiring to create intense competition for places, many school leavers will need to look at alternative courses of action.

One in four parents are not fully aware of the options and services available to their child once he/she has left school and in response to this Directgov has launched a new website aimed at fully informing young adults about their options.

The What’s Next site has been launched by the Department for Work and Pensions in conjunction with the Department of Business and the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) to provide information and advice about work experience opportunities, internships, higher and further education options, vocational training, job listings, CV preparation and available financial support.

Maxine McKenzie is head of citizen communications at Directgov and commenting on the launch of the site said: ‘By having accurate and up-to-date information on all of the different options available to education leavers at every stage from GCSE, A Level and graduates, we hope to help people know about all of the different routes out there so they can choose the path they want to.’

The site also has information for adult learners as well as support and informal advice from other parents.
A full jobs section helps visitors search for jobs as well as offering guides on how to apply for interviews, improve jobs skills and find out more about Jobseekers Allowance.

Cheryl Baker, the TV presenter and mum of two, is backing the site and said: ‘As a parent whose children are going through this huge decision making process, I felt quite overwhelmed in knowing where I could start giving them informed advice that could be of any help as it's been a long time since I was in the same situation.

‘Having an understanding of the resources and options available means I feel more confident in being able to support them through this time.’

For more information on What’s Next you can visit the website at http://whatsnext.direct.gov.uk/