Young Europeans say yes to health and care professions!
It is a useful profession. It is a profession that brings a lot to others and society. German, Spanish, French... for an overwhelming majority of young Europeans (more than 8 out of 10), it is this feeling of usefulness, above all other aspects, that is behind their interest in the health and care professions. And 77% consider it a profession to be proud of.
Working to care for others is one of the study's findings with young people aged 16 to 20 in seven European countries (Germany, Belgium, Spain, France, Italy, the United Kingdom and the Netherlands). For 63% of respondents, “the passion to help others is a key driver”. The study, commissioned by the Clariane Foundation and carried out by the Ipsos research institute, seeks to understand better the image that people in the early stages of their working lives have of careers in the healthcare sector. It is a very positive image since, in terms of interest, they rank this professional sector third out of the eighteen proposed, at 45%, almost on a par with luxury goods (51%) and education (47%). It is even the leading sector in the Netherlands and ranks second in France, Belgium and the UK.
Appealing yet understaffed: a clear contradiction?
A significant fact revealed by the survey is that being in contact with people working in this sector makes it more attractive. Young Europeans' favourable perception of this professional environment is more pronounced among people with a relative (or sometimes several relatives) working in the sector. Having someone close to you suffering from an illness has the same effect: the profession appeals because it is more visible, concrete, and rooted in life.
So, what could stop young people from taking the plunge and choosing this career path? The clear contradiction is that European countries are currently experiencing a shortage of healthcare professionals. The workload (39%), which is four points higher than the irregular working hours, and low pay (29%) are among the obstacles cited by those involved. These obstacles are common to many sectors, but there is one that is specific to health and care: having to “face illness, suffering and death”. This aspect, intrinsically linked to the profession and deeply personal, remains a barrier for more than one in three young Europeans (37%).
The challenge of training
Raising awareness and training are undoubtedly part of the solution to breaking down certain barriers.
This is a response to the “search for meaning” often used to define young people’s expectations about the professional world.
This study encourages us to open up access to training and to take better account of the balance between private and family life, and this will help to turn the sector's obvious appeal into a career and lifestyle choice.
Find out more about the Ipsos - Foundation Clariane study
The main findings in pictures
