‘Planned happenstance’ is an idea put forward by Professor John Krumboltz of Stanford University. In a nutshell, it is the recommendation that we ought to seek out opportunities and make our own luck, by being open to opportunities and actively doing what we can to be in the right place at the right time.
I have been reflecting on this idea within the context of apprenticeship vacancies. Despite the wide variety of opportunities that exist, some sixth-form and college students don’t seek out or take advantage of them.
There are many reasons why students don’t consider apprenticeships, one of which is the perceived lack of opportunity and lack of a guaranteed start. In contrast, it seems so much easier to apply to university and know where your life is leading over the next few years. There seems to be more opportunities in higher education and, if your grades are reasonable, a near enough guarantee of a place somewhere. So far, so certain.
For many students, the three years ahead seem like a lifetime and, when applying to university, many students feel that there is very little to worry about with the vagaries of the graduate job market seeming a long way away.
Streaming
I see many schools in my travels where students are split off into “those applying to university” and “those applying for apprenticeships and other work-based options”. Groups are then given support regarding their chosen path. For most schools the “university” group is bigger.
I am aware that many students will have chosen university not just because of the perceived certainty it represents, but for other reasons as well. They may be interested in the academic merits of a particular subject or just prefer university as a path for their future and the social aspect that goes with it.
I have also seen schools encourage students in the “apprenticeship” group to apply to university as a back-up, to provide some security. This is, of course, one strategy among many, with pros and cons. Yet it belies many schools’ obsession with ‘safe paths’ and certainty flies against Krumboltz’s rationale of embracing uncertainty in order to keep you open to chance events and opportunities.
What if?
What if schools were to turn things on their head? What if the students applying to university were also encouraged to continue to explore apprenticeships, particularly higher and degree apprenticeships, to ensure they don’t miss out on any opportunities?
One of the things that has spurred on this chain of thought is the work of the esteemed Alan Bullock RCDP, member of the Careers Writers Association and CDI Fellow. In Alan’s blog Environmental Practitioner degree apprenticeships 2024 update: who, what and where? he provides a breakdown of who is offering these particular apprenticeships and where. Many of the students interested in this area of work within the sixth forms where I work are heading towards university to take degrees in geography or environmental science (a traditional route into this sector), yet there are 18 of these apprenticeship vacancies listed in Kent. Despite being perfect for some of the students I’ve worked with, how many of them are seeking a degree apprenticeship? None that I can remember as they are already on the university path.
I will do what I can to flag up this opportunity to the schools I work in, but it is one among many. If students aren’t being encouraged to be on the lookout, many will miss out.
It is for this reason I encourage staff in sixth forms and colleges to not stream students into paths to the exclusion of all other opportunities, but to support those on both paths to remain open to all opportunities and to actively look out for interesting options that may exist outside of their chosen path. Opportunities that could prove more than just useful, they could be life changing!
Please note: The thoughts and ideas expressed in this article are my own and don’t necessarily represent those of my employer.
© Chris Targett
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