As the start of the new academic year begins this week, many young people are facing a key transition point. Whether that be transitioning into post-16 or post-18 education or training, starting a new academic year, or stepping into the world of work, we know that support at key transition points can make all the difference to young people’s experiences and outcomes.
In our 2024 census we see anxiety increase during these periods of change. We must consider how support is delivered to young people to equip them for the future, and ensure transition points can be as smooth as possible.
We have been speaking to our Youth Ambassadors to gain insight into their experiences of key transition points, what has helped them, and how best young people can be supported. Here is what they shared:
Kitan: “ I myself am about to start University and being a first year student is quite intimidating. My University has sent out loads of emails and information on networking with other students who are in the same position. During this time of transition, having that ability to talk to other young people before I meet them is going to help bridge that gap, and is going to really help me once I get there.”
Ciara: “Transitioning out of education, becoming an adult and knowing what to expect is a lot to navigate. Socially you can lose a lot of people around this time, financially you are working out how to manage your money, and it can be a lonely time. Having a holistic approach to support in both education and employment, such as providing mentors, can be a great way to help young people understand that they are not alone and that it’s perfectly okay to feel like this. For me, the help I received at the start of my apprenticeship helped with this transition period. Being able to talk to older apprentices who gave us a realistic expectation of what was to come was comforting. Our instructors providing that opportunity made a real difference.”
Rylie: “For me personally, I transitioned multiple times as I left mainstream school in Year 9 to move to a technical school. It was quite scary, moving to a different school out of my town, I was still young so only in Year 9 and I was going with no friends. That would’ve been really hard for me if I didn’t have the right teachers to support me. I was lucky that the team at the school was there to support us.”
Eden: “Young people can really benefit from more support and awareness from others. If entering the workforce, offering a mentoring scheme will reduce anxiety, and understanding that this is potentially a young person’s first job and showing empathy can help us feel understood. When I started my first job I was worried about the expectations and increased responsibility after leaving school, but with a supportive team and well structured and informative induction process I felt well supported.”
Eniola: “Something I struggled with going from University to my current internship is that I’m constantly on the job. Where I would have gaps in my day and study when I wanted at University, I’m now doing 9am-5pm which is more rigid. Structure should be pushed on us at University to help us get used to having that structure day-in day-out.”
Our Youth Ambassador’s experiences highlight how:
- Young people require an empathetic approach that recognises how key transition points may pose difficulties
- 1:1 support such as mentoring schemes or buddy systems can be an effective tool both in education and in employment
- Using relatable models can help young people feel more comfortable at times of transition
At Youth Employment UK we have resources that support young people, educators and employers to navigate transition points:
- Our Young Professional Training helps young people feel more confident about where they want to be, and can be utilised by educators and organisations who support young people to help them navigate their next steps.
- Our Employer Membership offers employers expert support and guidance on youth employment practices, including information about providing a mentor for young people, setting up a buddy system, and planning a thorough induction for young people. Become a Member today to unlock exclusive resources.
