Young people have designed and delivered our youth employment accessibility research on 200 companies and we are now sharing the report on their behalf.

• Two out of three companies researched have no direct access for young people to gain employment
• Nearly half of businesses assessed had a very poor or no job section on the website at all
• And four out of five businesses failed to promote their employer brand.

Inside the report you will see the results combine our initial pilot research on 50 companies plus an additional 150 companies. We chose to focus on three industry sectors for the latter data (Food/Drink, Transport/Logistics and Manufacturing/Engineering).

Download the youth employment accessibility report here

Why did we do the research?

After speaking to employers, we wanted to challenge their assumptions and our own too. So, we ran workshops and focus groups with nearly 100 young people through De Monfort University, Loughborough University and the following youth employment initiatives; Twenty Twenty and Talent Match Leicester.

80% of young people told us they look at the job or careers section on a company website regardless of where they first saw the job advert.

Young people then told us about the barriers into work which pointed to the online job application process. So, the research was formed to help employers realise what works well, what is missing and what is poor on their jobs or careers page through the eyes of young people.

How did we do the research?

In partnership with the Prince’s Trust initiative, Talent Match Leicester, we had four young people working as peer researchers to undertake the assessment. For full details of how we developed the assessment please download the report.

What did the research reveal?

• Many companies use their website to promote their goods and services. However, they are not using their web presence to promote themselves as an employer
• Companies should review their recruitment processes to make sure there are no unnecessary barriers or hurdles in the way
• If companies seek to understand how to attract young people to become an employer of choice they will gain a competitive edge in a tightening labour market
• All our activities is designed to support businesses to take advantage of this opportunity.

What next?

The research is well placed to bridge the gap between initiatives working with young people and business.

We want to share the results of the research by providing feedback and support for business.

Join us at our next training workshop