Nearly half of young people put their career plans on hold due to pandemic

More than 40 percent of young people aged 16-24 surveyed in the UK say they are putting their career or education plans on hold until the pandemic is over. The research, commissioned by BAE Systems to mark National Apprenticeship Week (8-12 February), looks at the impact the pandemic has had on the ‘lost generation’ and their career aspirations.

Facing the toughest job market since the 2008 recession, a fifth (21 percent) say they are even more confused about their career path, with 20 percent of respondents also stating the industry they had wanted to work in has been deeply impacted.

Motivations

When asked what matters most to them in a career, almost a third (31 percent) of young people said continuous learning and the ability to develop their skill set is an important factor, reinforcing the need for flexible training and skills development, as set out by the government in its recent FE White Paper. Whilst wanting to earn a good salary (41 percent) topped the chart, jobs that provide stability and routine (30 percent) and a career that is future-proofed (25 percent) are key areas of concern.

Respondents had clear views on the skills that they think will be most important to support their future long-term career plans, with ‘soft’ skills ranking among the highest, including communication (35 percent), problem solving (31 percent) and team work (30 percent).

With the pandemic highlighting the critical role of healthcare and education professionals, these industries came out top with young people believing they hold the best long-term career opportunities. Interestingly, nearly a third of respondents said the opportunity to make a difference to the world (30 percent) is important to them in a future career.

The top seven industries for long-term career opportunities are:

1. Healthcare (31 percent)
2. Education (20 percent)
3. Finance (14 percent)
4. Technology & Digital (13 percent)
5. Engineering (13 percent)
6. IT (11 percent)
7. Science (11 percent)

Looking to the future

With more than half of young people (51 percent) now placing more importance on their career as a result of the pandemic, many are looking at what options are available to them when looking to enter the job market. Almost two thirds (63 percent) said they have or would consider an apprenticeship, of which, four in ten (41 percent) cited gaining experience in the working world as a key driver.

[perfectpullquote align=”right” bordertop=”false” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]”Apprenticeships can offer an entry into a long-term and successful career.”[/perfectpullquote]

Richard Hamer, Education and Skills Director at BAE Systems, said: “It’s clear that currently, the path for young people looking to enter the job market is extremely tough. The ramifications of the Covid-19 pandemic are far reaching and have left students with greater uncertainty about their future. That’s why it’s important that those of us who can, must continue to create new opportunities for young people, working hand in hand with the Government and wider industry, to make available options known to young people.

“Apprenticeships play a significant role, providing people with the necessary skills to work in highly specialised and technical industries. Through on-the-job learning of practical skills, the opportunity to work alongside industry professionals and the provision of support at every step of their training, apprenticeships can offer an entry into a long-term and successful career.”

Ben Marson, Director of Partnerships at Prince’s Trust, said: “The pandemic continues to negatively affect young people’s employment prospects. At The Prince’s Trust, we know from our own research the impact unemployment can have on young people’s mental health and overall future. Our recent Youth Index report found that 60 percent of young people say that getting a new job feels “impossible now” because there is so much competition and 23 percent saying they don’t feel confident about their future work. It is absolutely crucial that we work with our corporate partners like BAE Systems to provide opportunities for young people to gain the skills and confidence for work, so they do not lose hope for their future.”

Image: BAE Systems