In today’s rapidly changing job market, young people face numerous challenges in gaining the skills and experience needed for employment. In Buckinghamshire, despite a strong history of educational and business attainment, inequalities exist, and many young people struggle to enter the workforce due to barriers such as education, skills, and socio-economic status.
Heart of Bucks have published a deep dive into this topic in their recent Bucks Uncovered report into Youth, Skills and Employment. It gives important insights into this vital topic, the challenges, views from young people and examples of some projects helping address the issues.
The landscape
Some of the key statistics featured in the report include:- Bucks CYP population (2021) 137,443 (vs South East average 114,861)
- 7% of Bucks 16-17-year-olds Not in Education, Employment or Training (vs. a national average of 2.4%)
- In February 2024, 25.5% of Bucks’ Universal Credit Claimants were aged 18-29
- 13% of Bucks employers offered apprenticeships in 2022/23 vs. national average 20%
- Up to 1/3 Bucks employers have struggled to fill vacancies due to applicants lacking required digital skills
The challenges
The Bucks Uncovered report highlights that young people in Buckinghamshire face several obstacles in their journey to employment. Including:- Skills shortages: Many young people feel unprepared for the workplace, whilst they may have literacy and numeracy, essential workplace skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving are lacking and young employees talk about entering the workplace as a ‘culture shock’ compared to education. The rise of automation and digitalisation has also increased the demand for digital skills, and vocational skills are in high demand locally in some sectors including Motor Engineering, Health, Space and Film/TV.
- Apprenticeships: Apprenticeships are a vital entry point into the workforce, but only 13% of Buckinghamshire employers offered apprenticeships in 2022/23, compared to the national average of 20%. Perceptions of apprenticeships have been less favourable and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) often struggle to engage with the national skills system due to limited resources.
- Work experience: Access to quality work experience is uneven across schools in Buckinghamshire depending on the schools’ relationships with local businesses. Many young people find themselves doing menial tasks during work placements and flexible working means that many businesses find it challenging to provide the support and supervision young people require from a work placement.
- Career guidance: There is a significant disparity between young people’s career aspirations and the actual demand for skills in the local job market. Reports from young people show that advice often focuses on traditional career paths, leaving students unaware of other options.
- Deprivation and disadvantage: Socio-economic factors significantly impact young people’s access to education and employment opportunities. Areas with high levels of deprivation see higher rates of youth unemployment and lower educational attainment and this is acute in several Buckinghamshire wards.
