‘We have a chance to turn the challenge of the pandemic into an opportunity for young people’

“Unemployment is going to skyrocket, isn’t it?” That was the fear of many of us – myself included – when we started to talk about opening up our economy again. The spectre of mass unemployment as businesses went bust was a genuine risk and young people were going to suffer the most.

Thankfully – so far – we’ve been wrong. And, it seems, that in fact the opposite is true. A combination of the furlough scheme and business support means most businesses have scraped through the pandemic and are now getting back to business. The pent-up energy and imagination of those forced to wait along with the innovation spurred by the pandemic means there are more jobs than ever available.

Add in Brexit and the loss of workers from other countries who kept our economy going, and many sectors are saying there is a real shortage of staff at almost every level of the economy. From waiters to CEOs, there are jobs available.

The good news is that as a result, some traditionally low-paying jobs are seeing a pay increase, and, as long as we continue to see a rise in employment, this should do something for inequality in the region.

Sandy Hore-Ruthven is the CEO of Creative Youth Network. Photo by Jon Craig

But, at Creative Youth Network, we continue to work with those who are most disadvantaged – young people in care or without permanent homes, those who are struggling with their mental health or have suffered from abuse. Many had little hope before the pandemic and things now look bleaker still.

These young people often stay underemployed because they lack the confidence to apply for a job. They may lack the networks too – the friend of a parent who can offer that first step onto the employment ladder. Often they may have missed school and struggle a little with their reading, writing or maths.

But many of them want to work – they have a great deal to offer – they are often caring, kind, hardworking and responsible but lack the confidence to ‘present’ in interviews. Again and again, we find these young people are knocked back and don’t get the opportunities afforded to others.

Sandy says that Creative Youth Network works with employers to get young people into work. Photo by Creative Youth Network

At Creative Youth Network – and other organisations too – we work with employers to offer young people work experience. The chance, in effect, to be interviewed over a week or two. These young people prove themselves to be excellent employees, and with the right support, most go on to stay in the job.

If you are an employer who is short of staff because of the pandemic, then why not give a young person the chance to prove themselves? It takes a little more effort than an interview, but you have a real chance to give a young person a “leg up” and the chance to get started in their careers. There are even schemes like Kickstarter that will pay their wages for six months.

We have a chance here to turn the challenge of the pandemic into an opportunity. To give young people who have had a hard start in life the boost they need to reach their potential and get into the world of work.

Sandy Hore-Ruthven is the CEO of Creative Youth Network

Main photo by Creative Youth Network 

Read more: Supporting next generation of innovative talent in Bristol