The survey features in a report entitled The Way to Work, which shows that young people don't feel they are prepared to face the realities of the modern economy. It also argues that the education system lacks the flexibility to respond to the diverse needs of today's young people.
It is a familiar message about the challenges faced by young people as they make the increasingly perilous transition to work. Young people remain engaged in a system in which their potential to shape and influence is limited. Increasing uncertainty in the labour market, and the collapse of traditional routes into work mean that young people are disillusioned by a system that no longer leads to the learning and employment opportunities that they aspire to.
The report also points to a particular challenge for young people on the margins, as the system penalises young people who don't have the informal guidance and connections that lead to work experience and networks. Some 20 per cent of respondents thought a lack of contacts in their areas of interest was a major barrier to employment.
With almost a million 16- to 24-year-olds now out of work, the report reckons that employment advice is failing to keep up with the dramatic changes taking place in the job market.
If changes are to be made, young people themselves need to be part of redesigning the system to ensure it meets their needs, particularly as we head towards the raising of the participation age. We need to empower young people to negotiate and navigate their own paths.
Simon Hargrave, national programme manager, NYA Contact: simonh@nya.org.uk
