11 February 2025
The Next Generation is Ready—But Are We Providing the Right Opportunities?
With today’s apprenticeship reforms and education policy changes, the UK is at a turning point in how we prepare young people for the workforce with traditional career paths no longer fit for purpose. Yet, a disconnect remains for our next generation, and with a widening skills gap and shifts in how young people enter the workforce, it’s time to rethink how we prepare them for the future.
A recent Sherpas SuperSquad survey asked 100 young people whether school career guidance prepared them for the real world. Only 25% felt it did, highlighting a growing disconnect between education and employment. Furthermore, 76% believe a university degree is not essential for securing a ‘good’ job.
These figures point to a critical gap in how young people perceive their career options and what traditional pathways are offering them, and it highlights an evolving mindset among young people. Many are actively looking for alternative routes into work, yet without clear guidance, networks, or opportunities, some are struggling to navigate their next steps.
Leading employers like Google, EY, and IBM have already dropped degree requirements for many roles, focusing instead on practical skills, certifications, and real-world experience. This shift isn’t just good for young people—it’s good for businesses looking to build a more future-proofed, diverse, and innovative workforce.
A Fresh Perspective on an Ongoing Conversation
Discussions about the education-to-employment gap are nothing new. We often hear about skills shortages, the need for apprenticeships, and how young people feel unprepared for work. But what’s missing from the conversation is a perspective that starts with the young people themselves—their realities, their ambitions, and what they actually need from employers, rather than what we assume they need. This isn’t just about education reform; it’s about how businesses can rethink their role in supporting early-career talent, not as a box-ticking exercise, but as a long-term strategy to build a stronger, more prepared workforce.
The Role of Employers in Bridging the Gap
Businesses can’t afford to wait for education reform to catch up and employers have a unique opportunity to invest in early-career talent now, co-designing the future of work, supporting and inspiring the next generation.
By engaging with early-career talent, businesses don’t just fill future talent pipelines—they help shape a workforce that is more skilled, diverse, and adaptable.
With 50% of Gen Z saying they don’t feel prepared for the job market (LinkedIn, 2023) and UK employers struggling with critical skills shortages in sectors from tech to engineering (CBI, 2024), there is some timely work to be done.
Here’s how:
- Expand access to Paid Work Experience – Apprenticeships, alternative work pathways, and employer-led initiatives like Sherpas SuperSquads provide young people with real-world experience and a practical foundation for the future. Our programmes integrate real industry challenges into learning, helping to democratise access to opportunity—ensuring that talent isn’t missed due to geography, finances, or background.
- Prioritise Skills Over Degrees – The nature of work is changing. Adaptability, problem-solving, and digital literacy are becoming just as valuable as formal qualifications. Businesses that focus on skills-based hiring can unlock talent from a broader, more diverse pool.
- Offer in-school experiences like virtual internships, reverse mentorships, and employer-backed real-world projects.
- Collaborate with Education & Government – With investment increasing in career hubs and post-16 education reform, businesses can play an active role in ensuring education and employment pathways are aligned with industry needs.
Looking Ahead
As conversations around education, social mobility, and workforce development continue, businesses have an opportunity to create meaningful, long-term impact.
By engaging with young people, offering real-world experience, and championing skills-based career pathways, businesses can bridge the gap between education and employment, to help build a future workforce that is prepared, confident, and equipped to succeed in the modern workplace.
