The Kids Are Alright: Employers need to look to young talent now
International Youth Day on 12th August shines a light on the importance of empowering young people to shape a better tomorrow. Young people are leading the change in digital adoption and innovation. Those in school and education right now are digital natives; they have never known anything different and embrace technology to drive change and create solutions.
The year 11s of today will be joining the workforce upon leaving school, college or university. What impact can they have and what does this mean for employers?
Investing in the workforce of the future
It’s a reality for employers, as the skills gaps widen in a workforce which is getting older, people are working for longer, and whilst there is always the need for personal development, the need to invest in and inject new skills is clear.
Whether it’s tech, digital or social care, the UK is facing a talent crunch, whilst at the same time, there is a generation of bright young things just waiting for a meaningful career pathway, and it’s our responsibility as employers to provide them.
Developing young talent isn’t just about talking; it isn’t about a tick on a list. It needs to be part of strategy. According to a study by CIPD, those organisations that invest in early careers hiring report greater diversity and retention and a stronger pipeline for leadership.
How can HR teams make it happen?
For HR teams, this means creating clear entry routes for school leavers, college graduates, and those looking to upskill through vocational pathways, but it can feel daunting when you’re usually hiring from an experienced talent pool and that’s where the thinking needs to change.
It goes beyond recruitment and starts much earlier:
Partnering with schools, colleagues and training providers to create awareness of career pathways
Designing inclusive early careers programmes and removing barriers for underrepresented groups - you can’t be it, if you can’t see it.
Mentoring and development frameworks that support young employees throughout their journey - they may have the skills the digital savvy, but those moments of support in early career can be pivotal.
Exploring programmes like The Apprenticeship Levy, which offers funding for training programmes for UK businesses, but is underutilised by many employers.
Less Talk, More Action
Not just another date on the calendar, or another marketing campaign to be forgotten. International Youth Day is a reminder of an important message which isn’t going away. Young people bring adaptability, digital fluency and a fresh perspective - and what employer doesn’t want that on their team?