Next Gen Careers: Aspirations and access

Against the backdrop of the Government’s Modern Industrial Strategy, the urgent need for a more sustainable economy and the technological advancements brought about by the Fourth Industrial Revolution, the labour market is undergoing a seismic and long-lasting transformation.

The degree of success with which the UK harnesses this monumental change of direction for the workforce hinges on one question: how can today’s young people meet the shifting skills needs of tomorrow?

Commissioned by Ravensbourne University London with support from Lightcast and Censuswide, Next Gen Careers: Aspirations and access is a state-of-the-nation research report which seeks to answer this question.

The report contrasts Lightcast labour market projections related to the areas of greatest prospective growth in the creative, tech and business sectors with the views and insights of 3,000 16 to 21-year-olds.

The findings uncovered by our research were illuminating. One concern at the heart of the issue is the perceived lack of helpful or accessible careers guidance, with a significant portion of young people opting for social media, influencers and streaming for their information and advice.

The research also identified a striking gap between the aspirations of the respondents and the realities of the future labour market according to Lightcast. With over half of all Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) coded jobs unselected by the sample, our findings laid bare a risk of future talent shortages which could potentially exacerbate existing gaps in sectors which are critical to infrastructure, green innovation and public services.

If you are interested in this report and would like to get in touch, you can email us at [email protected].