All primary school pupils should be taught about careers to break down negative stereotypes about gender and background, MPs have said.
The Commons Education Committee found that teaching children about the world of work at an early age would help raise aspirations.
It said careers education should focus on “ensuring that children before the age of 10 do not rule out options for themselves because of where they live or what their parents do”.
Committee chairman Robin Walker said: “Getting careers education right would do so much to inspire and boost the life chances of young people in every corner of the country. It would also help the UK economy by filling skills gaps in the labour market, while being a tool for levelling up deprived areas.
"We heard how careers education at primary school can counter negative stereotypes around gender, race, and economic background that become embedded in pupils’ minds.
"It can raise the aspirations of children with SEND (Special educational needs and disabilities) by highlighting the multitude of jobs they can aspire to do.
"Learning about different jobs also helps inform children’s subject choices as they progress through the school system.”
