Employers rate work experience above Academic qualifications

As millions of young people look for work this summer, a survey, released today, reveals that three quarters of employers believe school leavers are ill-equipped to enter the working world. And, with a further 70 per cent admitting that even a University education is not enough to prepare graduates for employment, today’s youth are left wondering; exactly, how do I get a job?

The survey commissioned by training provider, Lifetime, questioned 2,000 employers and found that 58 per cent rank work experience and volunteering as the most appealing addition to an individual’s CV, in comparison to just 27 per cent looking for good academic qualifications.

55 per cent of employers feel that young people who have learnt on the job are much more effective than University graduates as they are ‘work-ready’ and able to hit the ground running.

Nigel Wallace, Director of Training at Lifetime, confirms: “It is clear from these findings that young people require a ‘stepping stone’ between education and a career. Apprenticeship programmes offer the perfect solution.

“Our research shows that while employers recognise the value of employing school leavers, because they bring fresh, new ideas, there is still a general feeling that school leavers do not possess the skills needed to perform well in their first job. Therefore, there is a danger that a talented young individual might not be offered a position because they are unable to demonstrate relevant experience.”

The survey revealed that many young people are leaving education without the skills needed to perform even the most basic of tasks, like writing a letter or compiling a spreadsheet.  67 per cent of employers feel that school leavers would be better equipped for employment if key skills such as teamwork, communications and self management were taught as part of the curriculum.

Wallace adds; “This is where Government funded Apprenticeship programmes can prove their worth; they bridge the gap between education and employment by offering the candidate real life experience within a company, while building their employability skills. Key skills such as literacy and numeracy play a crucial role in the programmes. Our academies have helped over 2,000 school leavers into employment after completing apprenticeships in areas such as childcare and fitness instruction”

Despite the Government’s recent £60 million commitment to Apprenticeships and a demand for more work ready youngsters, 1,200 of the polled employers are not currently recruiting apprentices. Wallace continues; “It is disappointing that many employers are not taking advantage of programmes that can help to reduce youth unemployment rates and boost the economy. Two thirds of employers profess not to understand how to implement an Apprenticeship programme or where to go for advice. There is clearly a need to address this.”

To speak with a career advisor and to find out more information about Apprenticeships, please phone Lifetime’s career hotline on 0870 120 1207 or visit www.lifetimetraining.co.uk/apprenticeships-explained