Partner Article

Finding work the biggest concern for UK youth

Finding a job is the biggest concern of young people, according to research released by AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians).

The survey asked 16-18 year olds across the UK about their thoughts on their future. Results showed the majority (37%) were most worried about finding work, followed by having enough money (25%), finding their life partner (13%) and being in debt (12%).

Respondents believed university was the best pathway to a job with 79% claiming they planned to go to university. Yet, 61% of those surveyed didn’t know tuition fees could cost up to £27,000.

The results are indicative of the social and economic problems currently plaguing generation Y including a challenging job market and rising tuition fees.

According to recent statistics released by the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA), over a third of graduates from the 2010/2011 cohort are unemployed or underemployed, working in roles for which a degree is not necessary. Furthermore, nearly 15% of graduates have taken up part-time, voluntary or unpaid work.

In response to these findings, AAT is urging school leavers to consider vocational education and apprenticeships as a way to secure employment, gain experience and a qualification.

Associate Director of RSM Tenon accountancy firm, Alex Shacklock said_:_ “We implemented a school leaver scheme a few years ago and now, in the current climate we are seeing a spike in interest in this scheme. Naturally young people are looking and thinking about the best and quickest options into their chosen career and this will raise the status of high value vocational education. Those that embark on this route are learning on the job, building up responsibilities and climbing the career ladder from within. Many if not all go on to become chartered and certified accountants with us at RSM Tenon.”

Twenty-one year old Trainee Business Advisor, Aaron Keeble followed the traditional pathway to university but soon realised it wasn’t for him.

“I enrolled in a Bachelor of Arts at the University of Essex after finishing school, but after 15 months I realised it wasn’t for me.

“I knew I wanted a career in accountancy and soon discovered AAT was the best route. It enabled me to get a job which meant I could earn while I learn and it also provided me with a much faster route to becoming a chartered accountant. As an added bonus, I didn’t have any debt obtained through university fees.

“I have been working at PKF whilst studying for the past 10 months. I make an effort to go back to my sixth form college and other local schools to talk to accountancy students about the career path I have chosen. It’s important that students realise all the options.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians) .