Futuretrack is following students who filled in their UCAS application in 2005/06.
Students are contacted at the following points:
- Stage 1: as they are about to enter higher education (2005/6)
- Stage 2: a year later (2007)
- Stage 3: after three years of study (or other experiences)
- Stage 4: in autumn/winter 2011 when the majority will have started work.
Stage 1 explores the attitudes, beliefs and background of the Futuretrackers:
- the reasons for entering higher education (HE)
- reasons for choosing academic subjects and univeristy/college
- the issue of finance
- experience with UCAS application
- attitudes, values and views about HE policy and the value of HE
- where do the Futuretrackers come from?
Stage 2 examines what’s happened – and if attitudes have changed - after the first year at uni:
- evaluation of the HE experience
- HE context: region, type of uni, travel, accommodation and other resources
- current career aspirations and use of careers service
- finance and debt
- obstacles encountered and access to opportunities
- what happened if they decided against uni? where are they now?
Stage 3 looks at the Futuretrackers at the time when they are probably finishing their first degree:
- the educational outcomes
- career planning
- the use of careers information and guidance services
- graduate study
- experience of job-seeking
- career plans and choices.
Stage 4 takes place two years later (2011-2012) at a time when most Futuretrackers will be in employment:
- early career development, different career paths
- impact of careers advice and guidance
- the value of higher education experience and credentials
- evaluation of fit between education and outcomes
- long-term career plans
- educational, training and career guidance needs
- integration into the graduate labour market: winners, losers, and what can we learn from their experience?
