Gap years 'require more research'

Many young people take gap years to try new experiences

Providers of gap year programmes for young people should be subject to more "quality assurance", a report says.

Between 200,000 and 150,000 of those aged 16 to 25 in the UK take time out of study or work each year.

Dr Andrew Jones of Birkbeck College, London, said there had been a "considerable improvement" in access to information in the last 10 years.

But young people still needed to research trips thoroughly to get the most from their gap years, he added.

Voluntary work

Dr Jones identified six types of activities: work (paid and voluntary), learning, travel (organised and independent) and leisure.

There were many reasons for taking gap years, such as gaining a broader outlook, making money and improving career prospects.

But, Dr Jones said, voluntary work was the most beneficial activity and would be looked upon kindly by employers and universities.

He added: "The key finding I would highlight that comes out of the research is the enormous benefits young people can get from a well-planned gap year.

"Those who use the time to work in voluntary placement, both in the UK and overseas, gain a range of skills which universities, further education colleges and employers value enormously.

"This is often missed in the media coverage and too many young people miss out on this kind of opportunity."

The recent growth in how-to books and websites had aided choice, combined with better careers advice from schools and universities.

Various accreditation schemes had started, but it would be impractical to set up an over-arching one for all gap years, such was the diversity of young people's activities.

Dr Jones found that more women than men took time off from work or study.

The majority were from "middle class" backgrounds and white.

But, the report says, the increase in interest in gap years means the types of people taking them have "significantly diversified".