Raising the Participation Age: Opening Up the Road Less Travelled?

What is Raising the Participation Age (RPA)?

The concept of “Raising the Participation Age” (RPA) has been gaining attention recently and is poised to significantly impact young people. But what exactly is RPA, and what does it mean for the youth?

In essence, the government aims to increase the age at which young people are legally required to participate in education or training from 16 to 18 years by 2015. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to enhance the future prospects of young individuals.

For students currently in Year 10, this change means staying in school until they are 17, while those in Year 9 or below will continue until their 18th birthday.

Exploring New Options Under RPA

Is this change beneficial or detrimental? It’s challenging to determine, but it’s essential to look beyond traditional education methods to see the full range of options available to young people under this new legislation.

RPA does not require students to remain in school beyond Year 11. Instead, it offers various pathways, such as:

• Full-time education, such as school or college
• An apprenticeship
• Part-time education or training if employed, self-employed, or volunteering for 20 hours or more a week

Volunteering as a Viable Pathway

Volunteering, in particular, is an exciting option that can offer numerous benefits both personally and professionally. The inclusion of volunteering in the RPA framework has opened doors to new volunteering opportunities for young people.

Volunteering provides horizon-expanding opportunities to young aspiring entrepreneurs, allowing them to pursue their passions. It fosters creativity, enthusiasm, and skill development, serving as a crucial stepping stone into further education or the workforce.

If you’re at this crossroads or see it approaching, consider the “volunteering signpost” as a promising road less travelled. It might just be the path that aligns best with your goals and aspirations.

Additional Resources

• Raising the participation age: opening up the road less travelled?
• Is raising the school leavers age the answer to the country’s NEET problem?
• v now for 14-25 year olds
• v volunteers tell DWP what they need to get into work
• Youth unemployment through the lens of volunteering
• Volunteers’ Week 2016 - Is volunteering the answer?

Embrace this opportunity to explore diverse educational pathways and discover how volunteering can play a pivotal role in shaping your future.