In today’s rapidly evolving workplace, the need for soft skills has never been more crucial. The Junior Lawyers Club, an education platform founded by lawyers and educational experts, is on a mission to upskill young people with a range of critical soft skills. With the looming workplace crisis predicted by 2025, where a third of the UK workforce will be Gen Z, it is essential for parents and teachers to play a pivotal role in better preparing students for the challenges ahead.
Despite being the most educated generation in the UK, studies have shown that young people often lack key soft skills that are highly valued by employers. The Junior Lawyers Club, which provides online confidence-building workshops for students aged nine to 18, has identified critical thinking, communication, and presentation skills as essential for success in the modern workplace. Employers have echoed this sentiment in recent surveys conducted by the Open University and Institute of Student Employers.
As the Junior Lawyers Club celebrates its 10th anniversary this year, it emphasizes the importance of parents and teachers in nurturing these vital soft skills in students. Susanne Tayfoor, a barrister, university law lecturer, and Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, highlights the significance of softer skills such as empathy, independent thinking, and persuasive argument construction in the workplace. These skills, she notes, are not easily replicable by technology and AI, making them invaluable assets for future professionals.
In the wake of digital transformation and the ongoing pandemic, young people are expressing a strong desire to enhance their confidence, communication skills, creativity, and teamwork abilities. While schools play a crucial role in preparing students through coaching and mentoring, parents can also contribute significantly to the development of soft skills. By celebrating achievements, granting autonomy to make decisions, and setting positive examples, parents can help build confidence and resilience in their children.
Encouraging children to take responsibility and be accountable fosters independence, a trait highly valued in the workplace. The Junior Lawyers Club focuses on teaching children skills such as thinking on their feet, debating, persuading, and engaging audiences in high-stress environments. Through workshops, block courses, and full programs, students have the opportunity to gain certificates and awards, enhancing their soft skills and preparing them for success in the future workforce.
In conclusion, the collaboration between parents, teachers, and educational platforms like the Junior Lawyers Club is essential in equipping young people with the soft skills needed to thrive in the workplace. By recognizing the importance of critical thinking, communication, and presentation skills, and actively instilling them in students, we can better prepare the next generation for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.