Five Practical, Time-Smart Ways Careers Leaders Can Engage Parents in Their Child’s Career Decisions

Working towards meeting the updated Gatsby Benchmarks with little or no extra work

You know just how busy you are! So do I! I’ve spent many years running careers in secondary schools, so I have vivid recollections of how you probably feel…

A teacher, still on holiday but thinking of workload and looking slightly worried

You’re at the end of the summer holidays and you’re already starting to feel the pull of the to do list. You know that by this time next week, you’ll be shattered and getting to bed at 9pm seems rock and roll.

Am I right? So here are five strategies that are both high impact and light on the workload. Let me know how you get on. Do these suggestions help?

1. Embed Parent Engagement Across the Curriculum

Rather than creating separate events just for parents, invite them into routine class activities. Ask parents to contribute to classroom projects, join homework tasks, or participate in careers days. This builds familiarity without demanding extra admin time. (Some time saving pro forma texts and emails are included at the end of this blog)

You know you won’t get a 100% or even a 50% take up, but build on those that do take part and soon you’ll find that more and more parents are taking an active part.

Photo by Nathan Dumlao on Unsplash

2. Offer Parent-Friendly Drop-Ins (e.g., Coffee Mornings)

Simple, informal sessions like breakfast clubs or coffee mornings make a big difference. Hosting a relaxed chat about careers—perhaps during drop-off time—helps parents engage without scheduling stress. Think about activities that will draw interest, help with their own CV or information on local jobs or apprenticeships, try and link to the local demographic and labour market.

3. Use Digital Tools for Communication and Resources

Efficient tools like emails, online newsletters, or school portals extend your reach with minimal effort. Share updates on labour market info, upcoming guidance sessions, or invite questions—digital tools help parents stay informed without demanding extra meetings. Leverage some tech savvy 6th formers if you have them to support and help guide your digital strategy. It also gives them practical skills for their CV.

4. Redesign Routine Events to Include Parents

Instead of planning new events, tweak existing ones. For example, shift timing of careers fairs or open days to better suit working parents, or invite them to attend personal guidance sessions if appropriate. This drives involvement without requiring extra work.

5. Create Activities That Include Local Employers and Parents

Design activities like “guess my job” or “meet the employer” sessions that involve parents, local professionals, and the school community. These events offer rich career insights with high engagement, yet can be scheduled alongside existing employer visits or curriculum units.

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Why These Strategies Work—and Don’t Add to Your Workload

• Efficiency by Design
  Each suggestion builds parent involvement into existing activities—no extra events or complicated logistics needed.

• Convenience for Parents
  Coffee mornings and digital updates respect parents’ work schedules, boosting attendance and engagement.

• Leveraging Expertise
  Tapping into parents’ networks or inviting local professionals brings careers guidance to life—and distributes the workload.

• Valued input: When parents contribute, they feel more involved—without needing new programmes.

• Inclusive and Sustained
  These approaches can be adapted to different communities and demographics, making engagement inclusive and ongoing.
  

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All of these suggestions draw directly from Warwick Universities’ research findings about what works—and what’s feasible—for busy career leaders.

Below you’ll find some pro forma emails and texts to help lighten the load even further, but only if you’re a paid subscriber.