Youth Work Experience and Success

Work experience plays a crucial role in shaping the success of young individuals. It provides them with practical insights, skills, and a taste of the real world.

However, the landscape has been complex and challenging, especially considering economic, political, and environmental factors. Let’s dive into some key findings:

Disconnected and Competitive

Many young people feel disconnected from their communities. They fear that opportunities are scarce, leading to constant competition.

Narratives of “catching up” to pre-COVID-19 levels without adequate support or resources contribute to this feeling of being left behind.

Positivity in Secondary Schools

Secondary school students are receiving more careers and employability activities in the classroom than before.

They feel better prepared for their next steps, and there’s growing parity between apprenticeships and university as valued options.

Access to Work Experience

Sadly, access to work experience has decreased year on year. Only 29.2% of young people in secondary school had work experience in the last 12 months.

Even when offered work experience, only 52.3% were able to complete it. Challenges included finding placements post-COVID-19 and feeling unprepared for the experience.

Disparities Persist

Male respondents were more likely to receive work experience than other genders.

Disparities continue for Black respondents and transgender individuals, who were 10% less likely to have had work experience.

Support Matters

Young people who had someone supporting them in finding their work experience placement could be more successful.