The Milburn Review's interim report on Young People and Work highlights the vital role employers play in widening access to opportunities for young people. Lizzie Crowley - CIPD Senior Skills Policy Advisor says: "Young people are desperate for an opportunity to prove themselves, but many are struggling to navigate a labour market where entry-level opportunities, work experience and structured progression routes have become harder to access." "Today’s Milburn Review findings and ONS figures highlight that much bolder action is needed to support youth employment given the collapse in the number of apprenticeships for 16-24 year olds and the general reduction in entry level roles." "With more than one million young people not in education, employment or training there’s a strong case to introduce an Apprenticeship Guarantee for all 16-24 year olds. The Government must also recognise the link between new measures in the Employment Rights Act 2025 and employers’ ability to invest in skill development and jobs for young people." Read our news article here: https://ow.ly/CzBO50Z5f8I #CIPD #HR #Work #Support #Statement
Ashlej H.
3d
As a young person who took part in the Milburn Review, CIPD’s call for action is a solid start to seeing some positive change
Identitype
3d
This is such an important conversation. Entry-level opportunity is often where confidence, capability, and belonging begin — but young people cannot prove potential in a system that keeps asking them for experience they have not yet been allowed to build. Employers have a real role to play here, not only through apprenticeships, but through clearer pathways, structured onboarding, skills-based hiring, and cultures where early-career talent can learn without being written off too quickly. The point about recruiting based on potential really matters. Access is not only about opening the door. It is also about giving young people the support, language, and progression routes to stay, grow, and contribute meaningfully.
eNtity IHRA
3d
Powerful insights --- The collapse in entry-level roles and apprenticeships is shutting doors for a generation that’s eager to contribute. An Apprenticeship Guarantee could be a game-changer—giving young people a fair shot while enabling employers to invest in future skills. Bold action isn’t optional anymore, it’s urgent. 👉Pass the vibe—drop our page link in your circle https://www.linkedin.com/company/entity-ihra/
Said Parlak
3d
IntervAI perspective: entry-level hiring needs clearer signals because many young candidates have potential before they have polished experience. Better early screening can help teams see capability, motivation and learning readiness instead of relying only on prior titles.
The 'prove themselves' observation is exactly right. Most young people aren't lacking willingness, they're lacking the specific signal employers have learned to look for before taking a risk on someone. When that signal becomes inaccessible - fewer apprenticeships, fewer entry-level roles - you don't get better talent filtering, you get a million people genuinely outside the system. The apprenticeship guarantee is a sensible structural response. The implementation question is always: what do the first cohorts experience when they arrive, and does it build the second year of commitment?