The Youth Voice Census exists to share the views and experiences of young people aged 14 - 24 across the UK. This report is the 4th of its kind and asks young people to open up about their experiences in education, in employment, when looking for work, where they live, and in this most recent year, we have asked what the impact of COVID-19 has been for them. Again this year, young people responded, with over 3,400 of them sharing their voices.
This year’s Youth Voice Census tells a story of mismatch and disconnect. Young people feel disconnected from the services, opportunities
and local support systems around them. What is being created for young people is missing the mark or simply not reaching their radar. Young people certainly do not feel like they have a voice on the
issues that matter to them
For employers there are three key issues to tackle: the first is that young people do not know what skills you want of them; second, they don’t know what skills they already have and finally they do
not believe you have good quality opportunities for them – only 9.9% of young people feel confident that they will be able to access quality work where they live
Much of this resonates with our own experience and that is why we seek to connect young people with local businesses so each can develop a better understanding of each other.
We are lucky that our local businesses and councils are committed to supporting young people, the challenge being that often, especially for those from more disadvantaged backgrounds, there can be a lack of connection, understanding and communication, which is why we put so much effort into connecting young people with the business sector
Kieran Breen CEO Leicestershire Cares
Read the full report here https://www.youthemployment.org.uk/dev/wp-content/themes/yeuk/files/youth-voice-census-report-2021.pdf