09 October 2026
What UK employers value when hiring young people
Public First has undertaken a survey of 2,008 UK employers, funded by WorldSkills, to understand what they look for when recruiting young people, the barriers they see to recruitment and how young people can prepare themselves for the world of work.
Employers recognise that young people face barriers to work, with 59% agreeing it is harder than it used to be. However, there are positive signs, with 56% expecting to recruit more young people, versus 6% who expect to recruit fewer.
Essential work skills – such as teamwork, attention to quality and adaptability are valued most by employers, with 95% saying the ‘right mindset’ is important when recruiting young people. Yet 44% of employers recognise that a lack of work experience is the biggest barrier for young people.
61% of employers agree that school does not provide young people with the skills they need for work, with 52% wanting a greater focus on skills during formal education, including working with employers.
The survey found some consistent areas across the UK, but employers in Northern Ireland saw a lack of work experience as a greater barrier, and confidence in schools is lowest in Wales.
Read more about the survey of employer views on recruiting young people.
Employers recognise that young people face barriers to work, with 59% agreeing it is harder than it used to be. However, there are positive signs, with 56% expecting to recruit more young people, versus 6% who expect to recruit fewer.
Essential work skills – such as teamwork, attention to quality and adaptability are valued most by employers, with 95% saying the ‘right mindset’ is important when recruiting young people. Yet 44% of employers recognise that a lack of work experience is the biggest barrier for young people.
61% of employers agree that school does not provide young people with the skills they need for work, with 52% wanting a greater focus on skills during formal education, including working with employers.
The survey found some consistent areas across the UK, but employers in Northern Ireland saw a lack of work experience as a greater barrier, and confidence in schools is lowest in Wales.
Read more about the survey of employer views on recruiting young people.
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