Young people fear impact of recession on career prospects

Research by the commission, which was established by educational foundation Edge Learner Forum and supported by the Children, Schools and Families Select Committee, showed that 58 per cent of young people believe radical changes need to be made to the education system to improve their employability.

Of the 6,000 13- to 25-year-olds questioned, 48 per cent said they don’t feel they have had enough work experience to inform their career choices while 65 per cent believe their background will have a major impact on their career opportunities.

Rose Dowling, director of Edge Learner Forum, said: "Being still in or having just left school, young people are well placed to inform ministers on the changes that need to be made to ensure everyone leaves the system possessing skills that make them an attractive proposition to potential employers."

The report recommends that careers advice should be improved, especially for those who are uncertain about their future, and more work experience of a higher quality should be made available to every young person.

It also calls for vocational routes to employment to be championed, with a shift away from the idea that university is the only route to success.

More prominence should be given to employability earlier in the education process, and young people and employers need to be brought together on a regular basis so they know what to expect from each other, according to the research.

Barry Sheerman, chairman of the select committee, said: "There needs to be a three-way conversation. We need to know what employers are looking for, what young people want and how education can implement those changes."