It comes after the charity added its voice to the growing campaign calling for action to tackle the careers guidance crisis in England.
A new analysis of the government’s destination data by Teach First shows that disadvantaged children are five times more likely to be not in employment, education or training (NEET) post-16 when compared to their wealthier peers.
It is now calling on the government to focus the new Careers and Enterprise Company – set up to broker partnerships between schools and business – on schools working in challenging circumstances, especially those that are geographically isolated.
More widely, it is urging policy-makers to “provide clearer and statutory guidance for schools to deliver careers education” and to publish a list of organisations that provide quality careers advice services.
It also backs recent calls from the Education Select Committee for schools to be required to publish a plan for their whole-school careers and employability education.
The debate surrounding careers information, advice and guidance has been on-going for most of the current Parliament after, in 2010, the government axed funding for the national Connexions service and passed the duty to deliver careers guidance onto schools.
Since then a number of major reports and inquiries have identified fundamental problems, including a lack of funding and inconsistent, and fragmented services.
Entering the debate this week, Teach First said that the poorest children were being hit the hardest by the problems.
With support from the private sector, the charity has now launched its own careers training for Teach First teachers in positions of middle leadership. It is also introducing employability training to its initial teacher training.
The training will be “targeted at supporting pupils from low-income communities who lack the careers guidance to which their wealthier peers often have easier access”.
Jude Heaton, Teach First’s director for higher education access and employability, said: “As those best placed to support children with their aspirations and careers choices, teachers are at the core of any lasting solution, yet too often when we talk about the paths in life that are right for young people, teachers are an afterthought.
“This needs to change. We know that with the right support, the right training, and the right incentives to support pupils with careers learning, teachers are the crucial part of the careers puzzle. But teachers can’t do it alone. The long-term systemic change necessary, requires efforts from policy-makers, employers, and rest of civil society. It is time for all of us to act.”