Poll proves teenagers are seeking real
opportunities
Teenagers suffer from a bad reputation
when it comes to work. Nearly three-quarters of adults think they
worked harder in their youth than today’s teens and over a third
believe most teenagers will only work reluctantly, doing the bare
minimum to get by.
But a new poll of 15-19 year olds suggests, unlike the Catherine
Tate caricature Lauren Cooper, the average teenager is “bovvered”
about getting a job and welcomes the challenges and rewards of
work.
Nearly 9 in 10 teenagers were confident about finding a job, even
in the current economic downturn, and more than half rejected the
idea of signing on. The majority (69%) took the view that people
claiming benefits should do all they possibly can to get back into
work – and only 6% thought jobless people should be able to do as
they liked.
Tim Campbell, first series winner of
The Apprentice who went on to set up the Bright Ideas Trust for
young entrepreneurs, says: “We need to make sure young people
aren’t written off by employers before they get a chance to prove
themselves. Young people are a key part of a healthy and
competitive future for British business.
“But as our future leaders and
innovators they need the support of employers and organisations to
make the transition to work and to be a success in the
workplace.
“Young people can bring the fresh thinking and enthusiasm to a
business that can really help it thrive and in my view that’s a
great return on a little investment.”
The findings coincide with The Prince’s Trust first national Youth
Week to challenge negative perceptions of young people while
encouraging them to gain the skills and confidence from
organisations like The Trust. Chief Executive Martina Milburn urges
businesses not to dismiss young people out of hand.
“Britain’s youth are the spark plugs of
our economy. We all need to do our bit to invest in their hidden
talents. If we stop believing in young people, young people will
stop believing in themselves.
“Young people are often criticised for
not having the right skills or attitudes, but in order to prepare
themselves for the world of work employers need to help them out
and tell them what they’re after. That way our teenagers will have
the chance to match up and provide business with a strong workforce
now and in the future.”
There are lots of steps young people
can take to help them stand out to prospective employers. Work
experience is just one way of building up some skills while also
getting yourself noticed. Susan Anderson, CBI Director of Education
and Skills, says:
“Business knows it has a role to play
in providing high quality work experience and our surveys show that
90% of young people really enjoy their work experience. Young
people who have a positive attitude to work and who develop these
vital skills will succeed in work and life.”
Despite the economic downturn there are
still jobs available and plenty of help out there for those looking
for work.
To win these jobs Jenny Ungless, career
coach for monster.co.uk, advises: “Given these are harder times for
jobseekers, think about how you can make yourself more attractive
to potential employees. Do that charity work, take up that
language you wish you could speak, run that marathon or even take
up tight-rope walking, that one thing on your CV can make you stand
out.”
If young people are looking for work they can visit their local
Connexions centre or the local Job Centre Plus. Connexions
Nottinghamshire has a dedicated job vacancy site –
Vacancies
Online. You people can also find further information on
training and employment options is available at
www.direct.gov.uk/teenstalkback.
