NOW that A level and GCSE results are just behind us, thousands of young people are planning their futures.

More study will be on the cards for the majority, whether that’s in college, university or via an apprenticeship.

Whatever happens, they receive new “badges” – student or apprentice - and an opportunity to move towards their job and life goals. They are less governed by their gender and this has got to be a good thing.

Even in our very open society in 2018, there are still gender stereotypes. Just last week, TUI Airways got into trouble by handing out badges saying “Future TUI Captain” to boys and “Future TUI Cabin Crew” to girls.

The best point was put by Dame Gillian Morgan, chairman of NHS Providers which represents hospital and ambulance trusts, who felt it was a sexist move when “we desperately need more women to do science, maths and engineering”. She felt little things like the TUI promotion “take us backwards.”

Pardon the pun but the sky must be the limit for all youngsters without any division relating to their sex. Aspirations need to be as high as the individuals want - but there are some dangers.

According to a survey of 3,700 girls aged nine to 18 in private schools, 36 per cent felt that “getting my dream job” was their ultimate goal while only 18 per cent chose having a family. Nineteen per cent selected travelling the world and three per cent chose having a house.

I suppose that “just” having children seems low-key in comparison to a top job somewhere or world travel but I think it’s important to balance this area.

I realise that many women have had, and continue to have, solid careers alongside bringing up a family but we do seem to have stopped valuing the role of parent itself.

Anyone can give birth to a child but actually rearing children, helping them to develop and become a rounded adult takes real time, effort and a commitment to the task. It’s a job, too.

There are still many women around who devote their lives to their children. They may work as well to give them what they need but their main job as they see it is to nurture that life and do what it takes to help them grow in every way. Not a bad ambition when you really think about it.