Businesses should better prepare students for the workplace

Posted by The Live UnLtd Team In Education, News, Politics, Work.

Far too many young people do not have any contact with employers and therefore are likely to be totally unprepared for the world of work. That is the finding of the first report of its kind into how employers can support youth services.

The study looked at all previous research on the topic and concludes that more UK businesses should support young people outside the classroom.

Businesses are refraining from engaging with young people because they don’t see the benefits it could bring to their own business, and small and medium-sized businesses are less likely to be involved with youth organisations and educational institutions.

Surveys of young people, those who support them (including parents and teachers) and employers themselves all indicate that employers should have a greater involvement. These views are supported by research carried out in 2010 by Deloitte which found that 42 per cent of 11-18 year olds had had no contact with employers in the previous two years.

However, it’s not all bad news. A 2009 government survey mentioned in the report found that 65 per cent of young people had engaged with employers through work experience, while nearly one in five (18 per cent) have participated in enterprise competitions.

The report was carried by the National Children’s Bureau and Business In The Community on behalf of United Futures, a government-funded programme that aims to break down barriers between employers and the youth sector in England.

The report is available as a PDF here.