Employers and the recruitment of young people (16-18 year olds): an evidence review

This study seeks to understand from the employer's perspective the issues and challenges faced by young people when seeking work. The study improves our understanding of the recruitment process and the attitudes and concerns of employers regarding the recruitment of young people aged 16-18 years. It highlights the small proportion of employers who recruit from that age group and the concerns many such employers have about the preparedness of school and college leavers for the world of work. The review considers the often negative perceptions of employers who regard the recruitment of a young person as a risk and a potential burden on their business and looks at the often unintended consequences of employers' recruitment practices. The review concludes by considering the extent to which employers could gain from a greater engagement with the education and training system as well as the constraints on such employer-education links. We believe that the study represents a valuable contribution to the policy debate around supporting the preparation for work for young people through aligning education and training to meet employment needs.

Abstract from UKCES website. Show less