On February 21st, I was invited to chair a showcase event exploring recent research into young people’s experiences in education, employment and world-preparedness. As a young person myself, I understand the fact that my peers and I face significant challenges. However, only by taking a seat at the decision-making table about our future can we hope to solve these problems. Despite some sobering findings, this message is ultimately what the showcased research celebrated. Here are some of the key points we discussed.
The perspectives of learners - How are schools developing employability skills? - The Edge Foundation
Several years ago, Edge conducted a research study to determine skills and competencies sought by employers. It identified skills like communication, confidence, self-management, and problem-solving. During the showcase, Kat Emms presented a second phase of this project, exploring young people’s perspectives on these skills and how they are developing them – if at all – in school.
The research found that the top skills young people feel they learned in school include communication, numeracy, and problem-solving. However, participants said things like drive, creativity, and self-reflection were poorly developed. Of particular note, just 5% of participants felt that digital skills – highly sought after by employers – are important for them to develop. Meanwhile, 22.4% of survey respondents felt that digital skills were not developed in schools. This presents an obvious tension between employer demand and young people’s perceptions and expectations.
Interestingly, the study also found that traditional teaching were not always developing their employability skills. Instead, extracurricular activities and peer interaction were seen as the best ways of honing communication skills and resilience. Unfortunately, due to curriculum pressures, learners increasingly struggle to participate in such activities.
Youth Voice Census 2022 – Youth Employment UK
Josh Knight from Youth Employment UK shared insights from the 2022 Youth Voice Census. It surveyed 4,000 young people aged 11 to 30 on their experiences of living, studying, working, and accessing support services.
Mental health was a top concern, with 52% citing anxiety as the main barrier to entering work. The census also highlighted that difference is a disadvantage. In particular, carers, care leavers, and others with protected characteristics felt less supported.
The survey also highlighted that young people felt unprepared for transitions into work, with many struggling to access quality work locally. Just 30% felt ready to enter employment after schooling, with many calling for fairer pay and better training. For those currently in work, just 56.3% said they were paid fairly for what they do, while 60% felt that they had enough training to do their job. As young people face increasing pressures and a cost of living crisis, how can we address these concerns?
“Youth Misspent: Uncovering the harsh realities for Britain’s young people in today’s jobs market” – City and Guilds
Faiza Khan from City and Guilds presented research exploring challenges young people face in the UK job market. The study polled 5,000 individuals, 18 to 25. Again, it revealed that disadvantaged groups face higher adversity.
The research also highlighted a mismatch between the jobs young people want and those available. While many want to work in the arts, entertainment, and recreation industries (all growth sectors) they struggle to gain experience in these areas.
Despite these challenges, Faiza felt positive that young people are speaking up. She explained that the report recommends a systemic solution and collaboration between educators, employers, and government agencies. Renewed focus on well-being in schools, improved mentoring, and better skills development would all help improve young people’s confidence and self-belief.
“School for All? Young people’s experiences of alienation in the English secondary school system” – KCL
Finally, Sharon Gewirtz from KCL presented her team’s recent research, which looked at young people’s experiences in the secondary schools.
The survey revealed that just 55% of young people agreed with the statement “on the whole, I like being at school”, compared to 84% in a similar survey from 2006. Once again, it accentuated the reality that young people from disadvantaged backgrounds and those with special educational needs (SEND) were worse affected. For those from low-income backgrounds, just 47% agreed that they liked school. While 64% of all respondents felt “noticed and listened to by teachers”, this applied to only 58% of those with SEND, 49% with low-predicted GCSE grades, 48% of transgender and 42% of non-binary young people.
More broadly, in interviews, many students highlighted feelings of stress and misrecognition, often feeling unsupported and unseen by teachers. The research did find, though, that young people in further education and training find learning more enjoyable than at school. With vocational education at the heart of the government’s plans to address youth unemployment, could this be a hopeful sign for the future?
Overall, the showcase highlighted some uncomfortable realities about the experience of young people today. However, it is necessary to acknowledge these if we are to address them. For me, the golden thread throughout the research was this: if employers, educators, and government can work together, there is ample opportunity to improve support for young people, right from Early Years through to transition into employment. Nevertheless, it is first vital that we have a seat at the decision-making table. Young people need a say in the policy decisions that affect us.
Ife Obasa is a member of Edge’s youth voice network and is currently studying Law at the University of Southampton.
A full recording of the showcase is available here.
See the panellist's slides below