Member Article

Young people lack enough work experience say 82% of North East firms

More than three-quarters (82%) of North East firms report a lack of work experience as the key reason why young people are unprepared for work, according to a British Chambers of Commerce Workforce Survey comprised of North East Chamber of Commerce members.

In addition, a third said young people lack skills, such as languages and leadership, to succeed in the working world.

Other key findings from the survey found that just over half (51%) of businesses think graduates are unprepared for the workplace and more than three quarters of firms (82%) believe lack of work experience is the reason young people are unprepared for work.

However, 32% said they don’t offer work experience placements to school pupils, 26% said that placements were too costly and time consuming and 20% said requirements set by schools and colleges were too restrictive.

66% of firms that offer work experience said it was because they were committed to the local area and 64% said preparing the future workforce’ was a key motivation.

NECC is staging a series of ‘Linking Education with Business’ events, which aim to bring leaders in both sectors together.

The overall objective is to establish links to form sustainable partnerships that deliver higher quality careers guidance for students and a better prepared future workforce for employers.

The business membership organisation is also is part of a pilot project engaging with businesses and schools to raise career aspirations among young people.

Focusing on increasing the aspirations of girls in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) careers, the aim of the project is to integrate business leaders with all 247 secondary schools across the North East over the next few years.

NECC Director of Policy, Ross Smith, said: “Links between education and business are essential to ensure we are producing young people who are ready to fill roles within the North East labour market and are comfortable in the working environment.

“Likewise, we must take the fear out of employing, training or simply giving experience to young people. According to this survey, businesses see this as costly, time-consuming and restrictive – this must be addressed.

“A great deal of progress has been made in recent years, but we must continue to work hard if we are to make significant in-roads into addressing regional youth unemployment and potential skills shortages in key sectors in our region.”

Labman Automation of Seamer, Tees Valley, recently employed four apprentices at its headquarters. The company is passionate about future-proofing and already employs five North East Chamber of Commerce engineering apprentices.

Labman Managing Director, Andrew Whitwell, said: “We engage with schools in Stokesley, Egglescliffe, Yarm and Middlesbrough. We meet students to explain the career opportunities engineering offers and talk about what we do at Labman. It’s great to see how enthused some of them are.

“We are committed to employing, training and helping our young employees reach their maximum potential. This is not just good for them as individuals, it is good for business and Labman’s future.”