CIMSPA comment on the latest government announcements related to employability and careers.
The Department for Work and Pensions have announced a ‘major employment drive’ to help tackle the growing youth employment challenge, with the aim to make the job market more accessible.
Nearly one million young people are currently classified as NEET (Not in Employment, Education or Training) in the UK, as well as apprenticeships starts amongst young people also being down 40% in the last decade.
This morning, Pat McFadden MP has announced a ‘new deal’ for young people, which includes plans to incentivise a £3,000 payment grant for employers who hire 18-24-year-olds who have been on Universal Credit and looking for work for six months of more, as well as a £2,000 Apprenticeship Incentive for SMEs in the hospitality and retail sectors for each new employee aged 16-24 they take on.
The government is also expanding the already announced Youth Guarantee, where they will be raising the eligibility age for fully subsidised job placements from 21 to 24 for long-term unemployed young people.
Apprenticeships are also being reformed, with the focus shifting to entry-level and early-career apprenticeships instead of progression training for those in mid-career roles.
Natasha Schofield (MCIMSPA), Associate Director for Education and Career Development at CIMSPA said:
“This is an encouraging announcement from the Department for Work and Pensions. Giving young people more access to employment opportunities through different routes can only be a positive, providing accessible and a variety of entry points.
“This investment can support employers who are building early-career pipelines to access funding, giving them confidence to take a chance on the younger generation, nurture their development and ensure that we have the qualified and competent staff needed to deliver high-quality sport and physical activity opportunities.
“While the current emphasis is rightly on supporting entry routes into employment, there is also huge value in investing in the development of the existing workforce. Upskilling and supporting progression for those already working in the sector is critical to improving retention and strengthening the long-term sustainability of our workforce.
“I would encourage employers to engage with their local Workforce Development Manager to better understand where the opportunities are for both bringing new people into the sector and supporting the continued development of those already working within it.
“The sport and physical activity sector can provide excellent accessible entry level positions with clear progression pathways for young people, driving purpose and creating a positive, productive and rewarding environment.
“We are a sector that attracts young people – 30% of our current sport and physical activity workforce are under the age of 26. We actively encourage people joining our sector through entry level positions and apprenticeships, with an already established portfolio of apprenticeship opportunities.
“Our work with the DWP through the Sport and Physical Activity Employability Academy has proven that young people are interested in finding work within our sector and employers are actively hiring them into meaningful roles – they just need the tools to be able to get there.
“The sport and physical activity sector are ready to welcome young people into their employee portfolio. Employers should grab this opportunity with both hands – the government can turn the key, but it is employers who must open the door.”
CIMSPA are already working with the DWP, strengthening the understanding of careers within the sport and physical activity sector for DWP work coaches by providing information on career pathways and professional standards to give to interested young people.
The Sport and Physical Activity Employability Academy, delivered in partnership with the DWP and alongside sector employers and education providers, have created valuable work placements for young people tied together with subsidised industry training, leading to sustainable and meaningful employment in the sport and physical activity sector. With the first pilot in Scotland achieving a 70% employment retention rate, the project is giving employers the confidence to recruit skilled professionals who can contribute almost immediately.
If you would like to get involved in creating more employment opportunities for young people, speak to your local CIMSPA workforce development manager to help identify opportunities near you.