Youth Ambassador Advocates for Enhanced Careers Education 2025

Youth Ambassador Urges Stronger Careers Education and Meaningful Work Experience in Schools

Key Highlights:

· Rylie Sweeney, 19, a North East youth ambassador, calls for career education to be embedded in the national curriculum.

· Employers warn of growing skills shortages in construction, health, and manufacturing despite 718,000 UK job vacancies.

Key Facts:

· 1 in 8 young people aging from 16–24 are currently NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training).

· Graduates make up 10.6% of NEETs, showing qualifications don’t always guarantee jobs.

· A Key Group study found only 2% of pupils completed two full weeks of work experience.

Background:

A 19-year-old youth ambassador from Hartlepool warns that many young people are graduating from school without the knowledge or skills necessary to enter the workforce. Rylie Sweeney, who represents young voices as part of the Children’s Commissioner’s team, believes careers advice should be embedded in the national curriculum and supported with practical experiences. “I was lucky enough to get a strong career education, but I know not everyone has the same opportunities,” she said. “Lessons should connect to real-world situations, employers should visit schools, and students must be able to access trained advisers whenever they need support.”

Starting in September, schools will be encouraged to offer career guidance to students as young as 11, instead of waiting until Key Stage 4. The updated Gatsby Benchmarks also require students to complete at least one placement by the age of 16 and another before they turn 18.. While Sweeney called the move “great progress,” she argues that careers education needs to be fully integrated into school culture to break down barriers between education and employment.

Employers across the UK echo these concerns. Despite 718,000 vacancies, many industries, including construction, healthcare, and manufacturing, are struggling with skills shortages. Jeff Hudson, managing director of Hudson Lifting, pointed out, “Schools focus too much on grades. What we really value is attitude, skills, and effort.”

Paul Blake of Chippendale Plant added that recruitment is difficult because young people often overlook industries like construction. “It’s about making them aware of the opportunities that exist,” he said.

The Careers and Enterprise Company (CEC) also highlights the importance of meaningful work placements. Chief executive John Yarham said, “It shouldn’t just be tasks like photocopying or making tea. Placements should give real experiences to both employers and students.”

Official figures show one in eight 16–24-year-olds are not in education, employment or training (NEET). Labour has promised two weeks’ guaranteed work experience, while the government’s new Youth Guarantee will support 18–21-year-olds with apprenticeships, training, or job opportunities.

For Sweeney, the goal is clear: “Careers advice cannot be an afterthought; it must prepare young people for life beyond the classroom.”