Are young people in Wiltshire facing barriers to employment?

By Megan Robinson, on work experience with Warminster Journal.

A recent government review led by former health secretary Alan Milburn found that around one in eight people aged 18 to 24 are not in education, employment or training (NEET).

The findings have prompted debate about the barriers young people face when trying to find work and gain experience.

While on work experience with Melksham News, 17-year-old Megan Robinson spoke to recruiters, employers and a university student to explore whether young people in Wiltshire are facing similar challenges.

Recruiters say a lack of experience remains one of the biggest barriers for young jobseekers.

Sharon Chapman, managing director of Melksham-based New Resource Recruitment, said many young people are struggling to secure work in a difficult jobs market.

She said, “I really empathise with young people out there who are struggling to find work, because the market isn’t in their favour right now and they are going to have to work much harder than previously.”

Sharon said many young people face a catch-22 situation, with employers looking for experience while applicants struggle to gain it.

She added that the cost of learning to drive, taking tests and paying for insurance can also limit employment opportunities, particularly where jobs are not easily accessible by public transport.

Competition for entry-level positions has increased as opportunities in sectors such as hospitality have become more limited, she added, while employers are increasingly placing emphasis on communication skills, confidence and emotional intelligence during recruitment.

Dan Barfoot, operations manager at Melksham-based CMD Recruitment, said he believes wider changes in the labour market and apprenticeship system are contributing to the issue.

He said, “I think these numbers have been coming for some time with apprenticeship schemes failing and companies purely treating the levy as another tax.

“The government needs to start fixing this as they will let 16-year-olds vote but not be able to work shifts and with the recent national minimum wage increase, the highest percentage one for some time, it’s created a void for SMEs [small and medium-sized enterprises] and companies trying to employ on a budget.”

A local university student, Amelie, said that for many entry level positions “a degree isn’t enough”.

She said, “A lot of jobs that are supposed to be entry-level office jobs expect you to have experience. Financially, a degree isn’t enough and many jobs are asking for additional qualifications. If you haven’t been able to be in a workplace yet, you’re not going to have them.”

A government spokesperson said, “As we have set out, too many young people are locked out of opportunity, work and education – and the number rose by a massive 250,000 in the three years up to summer 2024.

“We are determined to change that with our £2.5 billion youth employment package which will give young people across the country the chance to earn or learn, including with grants, apprenticeships, and subsidised employment, starting this summer.

“Alongside this, we have commissioned Alan Milburn to look into the barriers facing young people later this year.”