The publication of the Young people and work: interim report provides an important reminder that too many young people are still struggling to move successfully from education into employment.
While many young people want to work, train or continue learning, the report highlights that the pathways into these opportunities are not always clear, accessible or consistent. It reinforces that this is not simply about aspiration, but about ensuring young people have the support, skills and opportunities they need to progress.
The report also underlines that qualifications remain important, but qualifications alone are not always enough. Increasingly, employers are looking for confidence, workplace readiness, communication skills and practical experience alongside formal achievement. This means the wider education and skills system has an important role to play in helping young people prepare not only for learning, but for work and adulthood too.
For Centres, providers and awarding organisations, the findings reinforce the importance of high-quality, inclusive and relevant learning pathways. Strong qualifications, employer engagement, meaningful progression routes and clear learner support all have a part to play in helping young people achieve positive outcomes.
At FutureQuals, our mission is to provide Learners, Centres and Organisations with respected, valued, inclusive and quality assured qualifications and assessments. The interim report is a helpful reminder that supporting young people into meaningful progression is about more than achievement on paper — it is about helping every learner build confidence, develop relevant skills and move closer to fulfilling their potential.
You can read the full publication here: Young people and work: interim report