“I’m scared I will pick the wrong path… I want to do a job that will make me happy.” – Habima, 17
Career uncertainty isn’t just a moment of teenage doubt — it’s a global trend. The OECD’s 2025 report on teenage career preparation reveals that 39% of 15-year-olds are unsure about their career futures. Add to this the growing mismatch between what students aspire to and what they’re prepared for, and we begin to understand why today’s young people are overwhelmed.But there’s hope. And it’s not hypothetical. At Doceo, we’re seeing change happen and helping shape it.
The Global Problem: Misaligned Dreams
The OECD report shows that many young people dream big, aspiring to professional careers, but don’t see clear or realistic paths to get there. This disconnect is sharpest among students from disadvantaged backgrounds. For example, in the UK, high-performing students from lower-income families are 30% less likely to believe they’ll complete university than their peers from wealthier families.
This is where early, meaningful career education makes all the difference.
The Doceo Solution: Turning Insight into Action
From August 2023 to December 2024, Doceo worked with over 3,400 students across the UK — with a model grounded in exposure, skills-building, and mentorship:
- 95% of our in-person students said they’re more likely to apply for internships in our corporate sponsor industries.
- 71% said they are more likely to apply for apprenticeships.
- And 95% would recommend our programmes to a friend.
These are more than satisfaction ratings — they show increased ambition with alignment.
Real Programmes, Real Impact
EmpowerED (Law & Tech)
- Delivered in partnership with IBM and White & Case.
- 526 applicants, 47 selected.
- 100% of participants would recommend it.
- After attending, 79% were more likely to apply for a legal apprenticeship.
“As a young Black girl, it was inspiring to see women who look like me excelling in STEM.” – Samantha, EmpowerED Tech Stream
Aspiring Leaders Programme
- A coaching and mentoring programme with sessions on communication, branding, and goal-setting.
- 91% said the coaching improved their skills.
- 100% reported increased confidence.
“These skills helped me stand out. Without Doceo, I wouldn’t have grown in these areas.” – Mabrookah, 2023 & 2024 ALP Participant
What This Means for Our Content Strategy
Our digital presence isn’t just branding — it’s an extension of our career learning model. And we track more than just views:
- Which TikToks spark follower spikes?
- Which carousels get saved the most?
- Which LinkedIn posts get DMs from students asking, “How can I apply?”
By combining this data with the hard numbers from our programmes, we make content that converts confusion into confidence.
Looking Ahead: Career Learning as a Compass
The OECD makes it clear: students who engage in career conversations, mentoring, workplace visits, and job fairs are more likely to:
- Set goals,
- Stay engaged in school,
- And find aligned, fulfilling work.
At Doceo, our impact report reflects the same truth: career exposure changes lives — especially when it’s community-driven, culturally aware, and made for Gen Z.
Final Word
We don’t expect every 16-year-old to know their dream job. But we do want every young person to know their options, feel confident exploring them, and meet people who believe in their potential.
Thanks to our partners, our mentors, and — most importantly — our students, we’re building that future. One workshop, one TikTok, one mentoring call at a time.