Ah, the infamous “Rantlet,” making its triumphant return! After weeks of rest and contemplation, I’m back to share my musings and grievances, and boy, do I have some thoughts. Please remember, these are solely my opinions and not those of anyone else connected to this fine publication.
Let’s dive right in, shall we? Today’s topic: the youth of today, or as I like to call them, “Yoof.” Now, before you roll your eyes and mutter, “Here we go again,” bear with me. Picture this: it’s the early 1980s. I’m fresh out of school, with a head full of practical knowledge. We had metalwork, woodwork, and various other hands-on skills classes. One of my most vivid memories is of a metalwork teacher demonstrating the dangers of a lathe by launching a chuck key across the workshop at 200 mph to demonstrate how dangerous it could be… a life lesson that has stuck with me. Safety first, of course! But these days? Craft classes are as rare as a unicorn sighting. The result? Today’s “yoof” have no idea how to build, fix, or create anything tangible.
Back in my day, I learned from my grandfather and father. Whether it was putting up shelves, working on cars, or building model airplanes from scratch, these experiences were invaluable. Nowadays, models come pre-built, depriving kids of the satisfaction of creating something with their own hands.
Recently, I participated in a series of talks aimed at preparing children for the workforce. Picture this: 15 local business professionals who gave up an hour of their day along with groups of around 10 teenagers, aged 14-16, gathered in a boardroom. We asked them, “What do you want to do when you leave school?” the sound of silence was deafening . Not a single dream of being a pilot, doctor, or even a builder. I lowered the bar, asking about sports or hobbies. Still nothing, apart from playing on computers and chatting online.
With ten minutes left, I was desperate. I emphasised that employers value real-world experience and involvement in clubs or associations over a string of qualifications. Yet, the lack of enthusiasm was staggering. One kid even asked me what I do, and when I mentioned my fondness for making “penny for the guy” dummies for the RNLI, they looked at me like I was an alien. No idea about the joys of stuffing old trousers with newspapers and selling the creation.
This lack of engagement worries me. Today’s youth, sorry, “yoof,” seem to be missing out on crucial life skills. Not to make a political statement, but I’ve always believed that at 16, you should have choices: college, university, an apprenticeship, or wait for it…national service.
Not necessarily as a front-line soldier, but perhaps in logistics, catering, medical or engineering. This would teach real-life skills and the importance of process and time management.
So, what’s changed? Schools today are a different beast compared to my generation. The focus has shifted from practical skills to theoretical knowledge. Back in the day, classrooms were hives of hands-on learning. We’d spend hours in workshops, getting our hands dirty and understanding the nuts and bolts of how things worked. Even needlework and home economics involved using machines and god forbid, hot cooking ovens etc.
Today, however, the curriculum leans heavily towards academic subjects, with a significant emphasis on standardised testing and technological proficiency. While I appreciate the importance of digital literacy in our modern world, there’s something to be said for the old-school, tactile methods of learning. Kids today are whizzes on a keyboard but might struggle to change a lightbulb. There’s a growing disconnect between practical skills and academic knowledge, and it’s this gap that worries me the most. The balance between learning from books and learning by doing seems to have tipped too far in one direction.
The reality is, we’re not all cut out to be the same type of person. Diversity in skills and interests is what makes society rich and functional. But without exposure to practical life skills and the opportunity to get involved in clubs and societies, the majority of pupils are missing out on essential growth. It’s in these settings that they learn teamwork, leadership, and resilience—qualities that aren’t always nurtured in a traditional classroom environment. Clubs and societies offer a chance to explore passions, develop social skills, and gain a broader understanding of the world. They provide a sense of community and belonging that’s crucial for personal development. If schools continue to neglect these aspects of education, we risk producing a generation that’s technically proficient but lacking in the critical skills needed for everyday life.
There is hope for our kids and their futures, but they must want it. Just because their friends don’t participate in activities doesn’t mean they shouldn’t. It’s essential for young people to break away from the herd mentality and explore their own interests. Joining a club or society can be a transformative experience. It can open doors to new opportunities, friendships, and skills that will serve them well into adulthood. So, if you’re a young person reading this, or a parent of one, I implore you: take that step. Find a club, join a society, volunteer for a cause. Your future self will thank you for it. Remember, life is about more than just getting good grades—it’s about growing as a person, finding your passions, and contributing to your community. Let’s encourage our youth to step out of their comfort zones and engage with the world around them. After all, there’s a whole world out there waiting to be discovered, and it’s full of opportunities for those willing to seek them out.
So, there you have it—my little “Rantlet.” What do you think? Am I just an old fuddy-duddy, or is there some truth to my concerns? Email me at info@thelooker.co.uk, mark your email “The Rant,” and share your thoughts. Let’s see if we can bridge the gap between generations and maybe, just maybe, inspire the “yoof” to pick up a hammer or join a club. After all, there’s more to life than screens and social media, right?