‘WE can’ campaign aims to get young people ‘job-ready’

The government is launching the ‘WE can’ campaign to help and encourage young people to set up their own work experience placements.

The initiative is being launched ahead of GCSE and A-Level results and will be supported by up to 12,000 young people across the country from the Youth Employment UK (YEUK), with 84 Youth Ambassadors to provide guidance on how others can set up their own work experience placements and make the most of their time in a business setting.

YEUK chief executive Laura-Jane Rawlings said: “Many of our young members tell us that having some experience of work whether that is a part-time job or volunteering has made the difference between getting a job or not.

“Helping young people to embrace the opportunities for work experience and encouraging employers to create those opportunities is essential if we are to see a real move to stamping out youth unemployment and bridging the skills gap.

“The exciting thing about this campaign is the input of young people. That’s why we are delighted to be supporting the ‘WE can’ campaign.”

According to the UK Commission for Employment and Skills Commission (UKCES) research, two thirds of employers say that work experience is a vital factor when hiring staff, a greater percentage than those who prioritise academic qualifications.

The benefits of work experience placement to young people will also be highlighted by industry body Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC), who will collaborate with the government on this initiative.

As part of the ‘WE can’ campaign, young people will be encouraged to ‘workies’ – the work version of a ‘selfie’ to show their family and friends the skills they have developed during their work experience. These can then be shared via social media by using the #WEcan hashtag.

The campaign is currently being backed by around 30 national companies with the aim of 100 signing up in the coming months. They include: Youth Employment UK (YEUK); The Recruitment and Employment Confederation; Barclays; Big Lottery Fund; Halfords; Marks & Spencer; Plotr; Confederation of British Industry; Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development; Institute of Directors; BBC; Bourne Leisure; BPS Recruitment; and the Construction Industry Training Board.

Employment Minister Priti Patel said: “Young people tell me they can’t get a job without work experience, but they can’t get work experience without a job.

“That is why we are launching the ‘WE can’ campaign to give young people practical advice about making the most of their summer holidays – and beyond – to gain valuable business skills.

“With 14 million jobs likely to open up in the UK in the next decade, this one nation government wants young people to be at the forefront of the opportunities to get the best start in life.”

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