Career motivations and perceptions of teaching of 16–19-year-olds in England and Wales

The current study provides an understanding of career-related motivations of 16–19-year-olds in schools and A-level colleges in England and Wales. The 672 participants (62% women) were asked to complete a modified version of the Motivations for Career Choice and the Persistence Research in Science and Engineering scales and provide comments on their perceptions of teaching as a career. Results showed that participants were most interested in entrepreneurial and technology-related careers, although results varied by gender, ethnicity and subject area focus (i.e., STEM vs non-STEM). Mean interest in teaching was low (2.87 on a seven-point scale), with a teaching career rated as the least preferred career option (of eight options) by men, ethnic minorities and STEM students.