Only 9% of managers believe that young people are fully prepared for the workplace, according to a new survey, highlighting a significant skills gap. The study, conducted by the charity Education and Employers, found that 94% of managers think young people lack essential communication skills, while 91% cite poor resilience and 88% point to a lack of teamwork abilities.
Survey reveals stark findings
The survey of 1,000 managers across the UK revealed that nearly two-thirds (63%) believe that young people are not ready for the world of work. The findings come amid concerns about the impact of the pandemic on young people's education and social development. According to the report, 86% of managers said that young people lack problem-solving skills, and 83% highlighted a lack of self-management.
“The pandemic has had a significant impact on young people's readiness for work, but the issue predates COVID-19,” said Nick Chambers, CEO of Education and Employers. “We need to ensure that young people have opportunities to develop these skills through work experience and employer engagement.”
Calls for more work experience
The charity is calling for greater investment in careers education and work experience to help bridge the gap. The survey also found that 79% of managers believe that work experience is the most effective way to prepare young people for employment. However, only 37% of young people currently have access to work experience opportunities, according to separate data.
“Employers have a crucial role to play in helping young people develop the skills they need,” added Chambers. “We urge businesses to offer more placements and engage with schools to provide real-world insights.”
Impact on employment prospects
The skills gap is particularly concerning given the competitive job market. Youth unemployment in the UK stands at 11.6%, according to the Office for National Statistics, higher than the national average. The survey suggests that without intervention, many young people may struggle to secure and retain jobs.
“We need a concerted effort from government, educators, and employers to address this issue,” said a spokesperson for the Department for Education. “Initiatives like the Careers Hub and the Youth Employment Programme are already making a difference, but more needs to be done.”
