News
Strong support networks key for young people looking for employment
18 July 2011
Guidance and support from families and schools are vital tools in getting more young people into employment, according to the outcome of a roundtable event organised by the Employers Forum on Age (EFA).
The meeting, which focussed on young people who are NEET ( "Not in Education, Employment, or Training"), was the fourth and final in a series of discussions to explore the issues facing young people as they begin their careers. It was attended by delegates from leading employers McDonalds, Centrica, KPMG and Deliotte, as well as representatives from The Prince’s Trust, YMCA Training and the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills.
The event highlighted that difficult personal circumstances can leave young people feeling powerless to achieve their goals, resulting in a lack of motivation and low self-esteem. Many delegates believed that it was the responsibility of school career services and family networks to provide strong support systems to young people, and to offer advice at critical periods of transition. Delegates also pointed out the business benefits that can come from accessing talent away from the usual channels. They stressed that giving young people specific responsibility and offering training on the job increased self esteem and hugely increased staff engagement.
Delegates also expressed concerns about the replacement of the Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) in England by a bursary scheme and cuts being made to ‘Connexions’, a support service for 16-19-year-olds. It was feared that both these moves would act as further deterrents for young people to continue in learning and improve their job opportunities.
Denise Keating, Chief Executive, Employers Forum on Age commented:
“We cannot allow young people to slip between the cracks and miss out on opportunities to improve their own lives by accessing training and employment. School career services must make sure that disadvantaged young people who, for whatever reason, are currently not managing to realise their potential are offered the guidance they need. It is also vital that they receive support and encouragement at home from friends and family who are instrumental in influencing a young person’s life choices. The debate at this event continued to show that employers are waking up to the widespread business benefits that can result from accessing talent from a wider pool of candidates, and are actively seeking ways to access harder-to-reach applicants.”