The streetwise technology-literate Generation Y wanted education to be relevant, real and raw, a conference on vocational learning was told yesterday. We must ensure that education is relevant to their lives, realistic and that we are sincere. Many had set up their own businesses and a third of senior secondary students had part-time jobs, Mr McCrindle said. They did not believe they would have a job for life or that they should be loyal to one employer. Young people have seen their parents work hard to buy houses and cars, but often their parents weren't around as much as they wanted them to be.
Young people say they want life balance.
They want success in business but they also want time to spend with friends and to travel. They're also more selfish, more self-focused, and they know that big companies won't look after them. Teachers who did not understand Generation Y or believed that every generation should be taught in the same way would find this approach backfired, he said. Mr McCrindle said Generation Y bought certain labels and brand names because they gave them a sense of identity. They were also highly technology-literate and wanted schools to further these skills.