Article by Ben Fisher, YEUK Ambassador
Last week it was revealed that youth unemployment is costing British taxpayers £45 billion, with the number of young people unemployed remaining at extremely high levels. Although the figure has fallen since the financial crisis, the figures are still above the average of similarly developed countries.
Current youth unemployment rate:
Currently the proportion of 16- to 24-year olds not in education, employment or training (known as NEETs) is at 17pc.
Unless serious action is taken youth unemployment will always be a problem, young people are leaving the education system and unable to get work, therefore falling into the NEET category. It has been identified that other Countries such as Germany, Austria and Switzerland encourage young people to take up vocational training alongside their formal education. This includes working with employers to engage with education establishments helping to remove barriers and obstacles for young people.
The role of Apprenticeships
Over the past few years Apprenticeships and the opportunities have increased with hundreds more Apprenticeship now available, as well as more employer’s interested in recruiting an apprentice. With the suggestion of creating a move from Education into an Apprenticeship without spending any time as NEET.
On a personal point of view, having previously applied for many apprenticeships the problem I have discovered is the lack of funding available for employers. Employers have preferred to go with young people in the age bracket of 16-18. As highlighted in a previous report this means the 19-25’s are often excluded as not being a priority.
Careers Advice and other barriers
At current their seems to be a lack of Careers Advice and training given within School and preparation for work with the exception of Work Experience but even that can only be very short term (you can read about my review of Work Experience here https://www.youthemployment.org.uk/work-experience-week-bens-views-work-experience-weweek2016/). More support is needed in Schools to prepare young people for work and to engage more employers with Schools and Colleges.
Some of the most common barriers young people face are: lack experience/required qualifications or the amount of time a young person is out of work. From an employer’s perspective, this may show the young person’s lacks relevant skills or professionalism of a work environment. To have a real impact on youth unemployment a major change in attitude is required by the employment community.
Youth Employment UK (YEUK) has set up an initiative called the “YEUK Young Professional” Membership which aims to assess a young person’s skill and attitude that would be required for the workplace. By completing the Young Professional induction young people gain a better understanding of what employers look for in an ideal candidate, and learn how to clearly demonstrate their professional development. YEUK Young Professional programme will give young participants the opportunity to develop those skills regardless of social background, education attainment or experience.
Our Community Members commit to being Youth Friendly employers are offering all YEUK Young Professionals guaranteed interviews where their applications meet the criteria. Are you going to join them?
