New research commissioned by NCFE has highlighted a generational difference in views on how best to help young people into employment and training, with 18–24-year-olds more likely to favour paid work experience than apprenticeships.

The YouGov research, which surveyed 2,127 UK adults, explores public attitudes towards the support and opportunities that could help young people move into employment or training, against a backdrop of growing concern about the number of young people who are not in education, employment or training (NEET).

While apprenticeships remain the most widely supported option among the public overall, the findings suggest younger adults place greater emphasis on gaining practical experience in the workplace.

More than two-thirds (67.1%) of UK adults selected more apprenticeships would be effective in helping young people into work or training. However, this falls to 47.6% among 18–24-year-olds, compared with 81.3% of those aged 55–64 and 85.7% of people aged 65 and over.

Instead, 58.8% of 18–24-year-olds selected more paid opportunities for work experience, making it their most frequently selected option. This compares with 48% of the public overall.

The findings highlight a difference between the priorities of younger adults and older generations, particularly around the role of apprenticeships. While support for apprenticeships increases with age, younger respondents place greater emphasis on opportunities to gain practical experience and develop skills in a working environment.

A wider range of support needed

The research also explored other measures people believe could help young people progress into employment or training.

Almost half (47.5%) of UK adults selected incentives for employers to hire young people, making this the second most popular option nationally. More vocational courses and qualifications were selected by 40.6%, while 24.2% identified better careers advice in schools.

There were also notable differences in attitudes towards mental health support.

Almost one in five (18.6%) 18–24-year-olds believe mental health support services would be effective in reducing the number of young people who are NEET. This compares with 8.6% of those aged 55–64 and 7.2% of those aged 65 and over.

Younger respondents were also more likely to identify financial support as important, with 25.6% of 18–24-year-olds selecting this option, compared with 4.4% of those aged 65 and over.

The figures below illustrate how priorities differ between younger adults and the wider population.

Michael Lemin, Head of Policy and Strategy at NCFE, said: "Our research highlights an important challenge for policymakers. While apprenticeships remain a crucial route into work and training, young people themselves are more likely to prioritise paid work experience. The message is clear: there is no single solution to reducing NEET numbers.

"Alongside high-quality apprenticeships, we need a wider mix of pathways that reflect the different needs, ambitions and circumstances of young people. The findings also point to the importance of mental health support, which many young people see as a key part of helping them participate and progress."

The impact of practical work experience

The experiences of young people supported by Positive Steps, an Oldham-based charitable trust working with children, young people, adults and families, provide examples of how combining practical experience with tailored support can help individuals move towards employment.

James, 18 (name changed), was interested in a career in construction but faced difficulties securing work due to a lack of experience, qualifications and confidence in his application and interview skills.

With support from Positive Steps, he received individual careers coaching and the opportunity to gain his Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) qualification and Health and Safety Level 1.

After achieving both qualifications, James secured a 16-week work placement with a construction company, funded by Positive Steps. The placement enabled him to gain practical experience, develop his confidence and demonstrate his skills to an employer.

Following a successful placement, he was offered a two-year contract and is now in full-time employment, with plans to gain his driving licence to support his future career in construction.

A similar approach helped Anna, 17 (name changed), who left school wanting to improve her maths and English qualifications while exploring employment and apprenticeship opportunities.

Positive Steps supported Anna with access to an Our Pass to help remove the cost of travelling to education and employment opportunities. She initially attended maths and English lessons at Rochdale AFC, where she made progress and developed her confidence.

She subsequently joined a pre-apprenticeship programme at Rochdale Training, continuing her studies while gaining work experience at a local doctor's surgery. Following her placement, Anna secured an apprenticeship at the same surgery.

Both experiences demonstrate how work placements, qualifications and individual support can form part of a pathway into sustained employment or further training.

Understanding the findings

The research comes as youth unemployment and economic inactivity remain important issues for policymakers, with the upcoming publication of the Milburn Review expected to bring further attention to the challenges facing young people entering the labour market.

For NCFE, the findings underline the importance of understanding the perspectives of young people themselves when considering how best to support their transition into work and training.

While apprenticeships continue to attract strong public support, the results point to the value young adults place on paid work experience, alongside careers guidance, vocational learning and mental health support.

Download the full YouGov dataset to examine the results in more detail, including differences by age and other demographic groups.

Download the dataset here