The motivations and aspirations of level 1 learners in North East England

Abstract

ABSTRACT The thesis explored the motivations and aspirations of young people, aged 16-18, studying on a Level 1 programme in a FE college in the North East of England. The majority of research activities took place over a single academic year, with a single activity the following year to revisit the topics of aspiration, motivation and marginalisation. The methodology was underpinned by Bourdieu’s concepts of Capital, as well as incorporating some participatory methods to research with the participants, not on them. Findings show aspirations closely linked to employment, and motivations focussed on the acquisition of capital – which the young people recognised could be accrued and exchanged for a career in their chosen industry. The findings also show young people from a range of socioeconomic backgrounds. This is counter to the narrative and findings from prior literature focussing on Level 1 learners. Young people were also experiencing unclear school-to-work transitions, and they signalled the rapid deindustrialisation of the 20th century as the cause of this. Further exploration is required to understand how young people in the region perceive the links between deindustrialisation in the 20th century and their school-to-work transitions in the current day.