We are looking at and researching 50 companies in a employer accessibility research project and facilitating young people to assess company career pages.

We are comparing online accessibility for young people to gain employment. We aim to create a benchmark and share best practice.

We have already facilitated groups of young people including graduate students at De Montfort University, to assess companies career pages. Here is a summary of their findings and perceptions:

• 70% of companies researched were inaccessible with navigation that was difficult to use or missing
• 50% had insufficient information to support an application online
• 30% of companies failed to promote their brand effectively to attract young people

As part of this process we gained insights into the criteria that young people apply when looking for their first employer. We will be using this information to help companies communicate their brand and better attract young talent.

Young people can give businesses tangible benefits including the ability to cope with future change in either working practices or their market place. In mature and competitive markets this is an essential factor in keeping ahead of the market and competition.

Access Generation will be sharing the final feedback and insights from our work with young people at a CIPD Leicestershire branch event in May. We will be talking about the overall feedback and results, however, if you would like to be included in the wider project or want to learn more please get in touch.