New research from City & Guilds finds that the odds are being stacked against young people’s futures and career aspirations – particularly the most disadvantaged.
The research, #YouthMisspent, polled 5,000 18-24-year-olds living in the UK and uncovered 30% don’t think they will ever be able to achieve their career ambitions. And of those currently studying or out of work, nearly one in ten (9%) say they never intend to start working.
The research has made clear that many young people have already had a tough start in life. 38% had received free school meals at some stage during their education. One in five have been a young carer (19%); one in seven suffers from mental or physical ill health so severe they have been unable to work or study (14%) and one in ten have been in the care system (10%).
Key Findings:
- Only 23% of young people surveyed felt that they had the skills needed to progress in their career.
- Nearly one in ten (9%) young people currently studying or out of work say they believe they will never be able to start working.
- 30% of young people say they don’t think they’ll ever meet their career ambitions.
- 64% of young people say that it is not easy to get a good job these days.
- 42% do not believe that their education has equipped them with the skills they need to get the job they want.
- Only a quarter (26%) believe the Government is doing enough to support young people into work and a third (33%) believe employers are doing enough to support them.
Report Recommendations
The Youth Misspent report sets out key recommendations for employers, Government and educators to better support young people to enter the labour market, including:
Employers
- Engage with the skills system and existing Government skills initiatives to provide better opportunities and progression for young people – and fill critical skills shortages.
- Make it easier for young people to access and progress in their careers – especially the most disadvantaged
Government
- Work with educators and employers to optimise existing skills interventions and fully utilise funding pots.
- Improve careers guidance and education from early years through to adulthood.
Educators
- Help young people of all ages to be more aware of the broader education and career opportunities available to them.
- Ensure that curricula are inclusive, allowing people with different abilities to achieve their best.
Youth Employment UK Comment
The findings of this report reveal a concerning lack of confidence that young people feel about their futures. Following the immense challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and now moving into an economic recession with a cost of living crisis, young people are feeling more worried about their futures than ever before. The findings of the Youth Misspent report echo the key findings of our 2022 Youth Voice Census which found that young people are in a mental health emergency, that difference is a disadvantage, young people do feel prepared for the future and are not confident that they will be able to access good quality work where they live.
The two reports paint a bleak picture of young people and their experiences right now, and it is going to be critical that we turn to the root causes of these issues and make bold commitments to changing the systems around young people to allow them the opportunities to thrive whoever and wherever they are.
