One Million Chances aims to create a million opportunities for young people.
The pandemic has hit young people the hardest in terms of unemployment and economic inactivity, with UK youth employment rates at a near-record low of 53%. At the same time, job vacancies are now increasing rapidly, with employers having to compete harder to fill roles.
It’s vital that we bridge this gap by helping young people find meaningful work and helping employers find new talent pipelines.
Let’s help young people get their foot in the door. Let’s give them a chance.
Get involved: bring work to life for young people
We need Enterprise Advisers to volunteer their expertise and work with schools and colleges to help them develop a strong careers programme. Find out more.
How to tap into underutilised young talent pools
With escalating numbers of job vacancies and increased competition for candidates, employers can fill these roles by recruiting young people who have traditionally been overlooked. Recruiters and hiring managers need to offer equal access to employment to all members of society and could benefit from attracting young talent from diverse groups.
In partnership with Youth Futures Foundation, we give evidence-based recommendations on how to reach, attract and recruit young people from marginalised backgrounds.
Practical advice on targeting young people from under-represented backgrounds and using accurate and fair selection tools in your recruitment process
Mona Abou Hana, Chief People Officer for EMEA and the Middle East, PwC Middle East, explains how PwC is committed to hiring over 500 new graduates from diverse backgrounds each year.
Getting the most out of an internship programme
In a challenging labour market, many organisations are looking to internships as a way to gain new and motivated members of staff, who bring new skills and perspectives to their business. In addition, these programmes provide young people with a meaningful experience that enhances their employability, at a time when the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated rising graduate unemployment.
Our guide offers best practice recommendations on how to run a successful internship programme, as well as contributing to the intern’s professional development.
Guides
Guidance for employers on starting or improving an internship programme, including a checklist and model agreement
How to help young people understand their career options
Preparing young people for the world of work is not only critical to the UK’s economic future but will benefit organisations by building talent pipelines and improving workforce diversity. However, our 2021 report on youth employment showed that only one-fifth of those surveyed thought they received high quality careers advice at school or college.
We give guidance on how to collaborate with local schools and colleges to ensure young people understand and are equipped with the skills that businesses need.
Insight into the needs of young people, both in education and as they start out in their careers
What schemes are available to help young people access employment?
Employers recognise the value that young people bring to their organisations, yet those who want to support them often face a confusing landscape of government initiatives, bodies and programmes which can act as a barrier to engagement.
Our guide, authored by Strategic Development Network (SDN), outlines the major youth employment programmes available to help support organisations making decisions about the employment, work experience and training initiatives that they can offer.
Guide on apprenticeships, T Levels, traineeships and the Kickstart Scheme. Checklist and FAQs on practical steps to engage in employment programmes.
Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships are qualifications for anyone aged 16 or older who’s employed and isn’t in full-time education. This includes current staff members as well as new recruits. Apprenticeships cover all industry sectors and thousands of job roles.
Related resources include:
- Apprenticeships and investment in training
Explore the CIPD’s point of view on apprenticeships and investment in training, including recommendations for both Government and employers - Making apprenticeships future-fit
Our evidence on the current state of the apprenticeship system in England, and the reforms needed to ensure apprenticeships provide access to the labour market for young people
T Levels
T Levels are a new type of technical qualification for students aged 16-19. They are developed with employers to meet industry needs and prepare students for employment and higher levels of training. The first T Levels started in 2020 and 23 T Level routes covering all main industry sectors will be available by 2023.
- Reforming technical education: Employers' views of T Levels
We examine employers' views on youth employability and the Government's new technical study programme scheduled for 2020
Internships and work experience
An intern will usually be an undergraduate or graduate seeking work experience as a means of getting onto the ladder of work. Students in sixth form colleges, further education colleges or other tertiary education would also be included.
Work experience is an opportunity to introduce young people at school or college to the world of work and give them first-hand experience of the workplace, insight into how their skills relate to it and increased confidence and employability. Work experience placements are unpaid and give employers access to a wide range of talent and fresh ideas, as well as engagement with the local community.
- Guide to providing virtual work experience placements
Plan your online work experience programme to support young people with their school-to-work transition through the pandemic
Kickstart
Kickstart provides job placements for 16-24-year-olds who don't have a job currently. These job placements must start before the end of March 2022 for employers who have already applied to the scheme.
- The HR community are stepping up to support young people during the pandemic
Lizzie Crowley's article looks into how government schemes such as Kickstart, as well as the CIPD's own Steps Ahead programme, can help in relation to rising youth unemployment.
"At Tesco, we've committed to help over 45,00 young people jumpstart their careers this year, and build employability skills as they grapple with the disruption COVID-19 has caused. We have diverse and interesting opportunities available across out business like the Kickstart scheme, apprenticeships, graduate programmes and internships for young people, whoever they are and whatever their background."
CIPD Trust
Tackling barriers to work today whilst creating inclusive workplaces of tomorrow.
Influencing policy
Our public policy team champions better work and working lives by shaping public debate, government policy and legislation.
An assessment of the effectiveness of Government initiatives to support young people to access apprenticeships, traineeship and work placements
Explore our Views and insights
Explore the CIPD’s point of view on religion and belief, including actions for Government and recommendations for employers
Explore the CIPD’s point of view on responsible business, including recommendations for employers
Explore the CIPD’s point of view on flexible working, including recommendations for employers
Explore the CIPD’s point of view on health and wellbeing at work, including recommendations for employers