Recruiting and retaining young people

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Recruiting and retaining young people

A new report released by the Learning and Skills Council offers some fascinating insights which serve to challenge those stereotypes of young people as short-termist and motivated by money alone.

The results of The Success Report 2004 reveal a picture of an ambitious generation firmly focussed on career success. Money and fame were rejected by the majority of young people participating in the research with two-thirds citing a job you enjoy (42%) and making a difference in the world (17%) as the key markers of success.

Key research findings

• 27 or bust: By the age of 27, young people believe they should have "made it".
• Bring on the money: Almost half (47%) are confident of a starting salary of anywhere up to £50,000. But personal fulfilment is the main aim, with an overwhelming 93% saying that getting a job they enjoy is key to success.
• Perseverance and graft are the tips for the top: Almost two-thirds (62%) of young people recognise hard work as the driving force behind making it to the top of the career ladder, with half of all those questioned saying that life long learning is crucial to climbing the career ladder.
• Training is key:More than two-thirds (70%) of young people are prepared to undergo training for between two and four years to achieve their ambitions to build a firm foundation for the future.

Commenting on the report’ s findings, Stephen Gardner, Director of Work Based Learning at the LSC, said: "The Success Report reveals that young people recognise that success requires hard word and a willingness to train throughout their lives. Far from being seduced by instant fame, the young people surveyed see development of life long transferable skills as the key to a satisfying career."

Want to know more?

Title: The Success Report 2004, Learning and Skills Council.

Methodology: The research was conducted independently by KRC Research and is based on the views and opinions of interviews conducted with 1,000 young people aged 14-19, 1,000 parents, and 500 employers across the UK.

Availability: Copies of The Success Report 2004 are available for download from www.apprenticeships.org.uk

The Learning and Skills Council (LSC) is responsible for funding and planning education and training for over 16-year-olds in England. To find out more visit

www.lsc.gov.uk

Posted 27 October 2004