Nurturing the next generation of recruiters
Business advice
Understanding the expectations of young people can unleash a new wave of UK recruiters
The REC’s ‘Overcoming Shortages’ research found that the potential cost to the economy of not meeting future demand for staff to be between £30 billion and £39 billion every year through to the end of 2027, equivalent to 1.2% to 1.6% of GDP. Finding ways to meet future skills needs is an absolute priority for all sectors of the UK economy – including for the recruitment sector itself. Which is why reaching out to the next generation and building better bridges into the industry has never been more important.
Building better bridges starts with understanding evolving needs, concerns and expectations of young people. Below is an overview of the latest survey data that can be used to refocus outreach activities – particularly with regards to promoting recruitment as a career of choice - and enhance broader support provisions.
How are young people feeling about their careers and the world of work?
The Youth Voice Census is an annual survey conducted by Youth Employment UK (YEUK); it is the largest survey of young people in the UK. Here is a recap of the messages and findings from the latest edition:
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The path ahead is hazy - 42.9% of young people have changed their study choices in the last year, and 51.6% currently in work have changed their career plans.
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The ‘covid-lag’ persists - 55.1% of young people in education said their learning opportunities had been disrupted.
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The optimism-meter is running low - Only 12.4% of young people think quality work opportunities are available where they live. And nearly 50% are not confident that they will be able to progress into a good job.
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Careers support is patchy - Only 17.3% of young people in university have access to work experience. Although there has been an increase of careers support in secondary school, there has been a decrease in colleges and universities.
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Transition into work can be traumatic - 1 in 3 young people who are now in work report that they are struggling and feel unprepared.
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Apprentices feel better prepared - 73.6% of apprentices said they felt prepared for their next steps; they are some of the happiest young people in their work.
Shaping our future recruiters
What does this insight mean for industry leaders looking to take a lead on the youth employment agenda as well as attracting, developing, and retaining a new wave of UK recruitment professionals? The recruitment sector has always been proactive in working with local schools, colleges and universities to raise awareness of job market dynamics and evolving career routes. The Youth Voice Census makes it clear that this contribution is more important than ever. The data also underlines the fact that this is not just about raising awareness; it is about offering reassurance, nurturing positivity, boosting aspirations and ensuring that young people feel excited about the future rather than anxious.
Looking ahead, industry leaders can use the insight from young people to adapt their own organisation’s recruitment, onboarding, career development and management procedures. This is an opportunity to position recruitment as one of the most ‘youth friendly’ industries in the country and to nurture a new generation of engaged and energised recruiters. But this is not a pure marketing and window-dressing exercise, it is about doing some heavy lifting in terms of reviewing and benchmarking current approaches and making use of the good practice tools and support that are on offer.
In the words of Youth Employment UK’s CEO, Laura-Jane Rawlings: “We have to recognise where young people are, where the systems do not work for them and understand what their new normal is”. It is time for better leadership for young people; for all the reason listed above, the recruitment industry will be playing its part.
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