A new report reveals the qualities that bosses look for when hiring young candidates to join their business.
The new study of 500 business decision makers by Arch Apprentices provides an insight into essential qualities in potential employees. The research uncovers that many think it should be essential for young people to partake in work experience, to give them early involvement in a professional environment.
Almost all of those surveyed (93 per cent) thought that work experience and careers advice should be compulsory in schools.
When hiring young people within their business the majority looked for enthusiasm (74 per cent) – followed closely by a good understanding of the role (61 per cent), relevant work experience (54 per cent) or any work experience at all (34 per cent).
However, further research did show that finding these qualities within young candidates wasn’t always easy. Almost half (43 per cent) admit that they struggle to find enthusiastic young people to take positions. Thirty-nine per cent says that the majority of their applicants have no/very limited experience in the work place and 28 per cent believe that the majority of applicants have irrelevant qualifications.
UK schools haven’t had to offer compulsory work experience since 2012 when the coalition government scrapped the idea. With so many businesses agreeing that work placements should be compulsory, Arch Apprentices are calling on the current government to reinstate meaningful work experience for all children as well as provide up to date advice and guidance about future career options.
prepare them on the types of jobs which are desirable to business, boosting their skills (64 per cent). More than half (57 per cent) also believe that it helps to install a strong work ethic.
Ben Rowland from Arch Apprentice says, ‘We have a duty to the young people growing up in this country to provide them with the right information at the right time, to prepare them for a career that is fulfilling, rewarding and in touch with the digital world we now live in. Compulsory work experience would go some way to providing this, but there’s more we can do – employers, parents schools and training providers need to come together to arm young people with more information about their options including skills based apprenticeships, not just university.’
Further reading on job candidates
