Finding a job the biggest concern for UK youth in North West

Finding a job the biggest concern for UK youth in North West

Finding a job is the biggest concern of young people in the North West, according to research released by AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians).

The survey asked 16-18 year olds across the UK about their thoughts on their future. Results showed the majority (44%) of respondents in the North West were most worried about finding work, followed by having enough money (18%), finding their life partner (13%) and being in debt (12%).

Nationally, respondents believed university was the best pathway to a job with 79% claiming they planned to go to university. Yet in the North West, 60% of those surveyed didn’t know tuition fees could cost up to £27,000.

The results are indicative of the social and economic problems currently plaguing generation Y including a challenging job market and rising tuition fees.

According to recent statistics released by the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA), over a third (39%) of graduates in the North West from the 2010/2011 cohort are unemployed or underemployed, working in roles for which a degree is not necessary. Furthermore, nearly 15% of graduates across the UK have taken up part-time, voluntary or unpaid work.

In response to these findings, AAT is urging school leavers to consider vocational education and apprenticeships as a way to secure employment, gain experience and a qualification.

AAT Chief Executive Jane Scott Paul said: “With the average student debt rising to £45,000 and a degree no longer a guaranteed pathway into finding a job; university is not the attractive option it once was. The reality is graduates are ending up in menial and low skilled jobs for which a degree is just not necessary.

“We need to ask ourselves if we are channelling our young people in the right direction when there are alternatives available. Apprenticeships are proving to be a viable option for young people looking to secure long term employment and improve their future career prospects. In the case of accountancy, following this route into the profession means a school leaver can become chartered much quicker than a university graduate – at little or very often no cost to themselves.

“Young people must be informed of these choices so they become aware that university is not the only way to establish a career.”