On the second day of Work Experience Week, a new survey has shown how opportunities are not being shared out equally, with some less privileged students failing to get the right access to quality work experience.
Indeed, the research reveals that 88% of students believe employers should do more to offer quality work experience opportunities, while half of students said they were offered no training during their placement, hurting their confidence in finding a job.
The research was conducted jointly by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) and EY Foundation and that only 51% of 16-18-year-olds say their school offers work experience, compared to 64% of those now aged 19-21. The decline is likely linked to school organised work experience being made non-compulsory in 2012.
‘Luck of the draw’
Ann Francke, chief executive of CMI, says that young people aspire to become leaders, “But it’s currently luck of the draw whether they get the necessary chances to learn how. We need employers and educators to help the next generations to develop practical skills and confidence from a younger age.
“If we are to succeed in creating regional powerhouses outside London then we must have home-grown leaders. Making management and leadership skills part of the school curriculum will help bridge the gap between employers and the next generation of workers.”
