Uptree survey reveals barriers to experiences of work
Uptree survey reveals barriers to experiences of work
6 February 2024
A recent survey conducted by Uptree, in partnership with the Bridge Group, reveals a lack of confidence prevented 36% of student respondents from taking part in workplace-based experiences.
This finding is consistent with Uptree’s 2022 survey where students indicated confidence issues with professional networking and job applications.
Of the 2023 survey respondents who did take part in workplace-based experiences through Uptree, 80% felt they had gained experience and information that they could not have got from friends, family, school or elsewhere. In addition, 80% agreed or strongly agreed that work experience had informed their post-school options.
Experiences of workplaces make up one of the eight Gatsby Benchmarks, a framework created to support the development of careers provisions in schools and colleges.
The survey results indicate a discrepancy between the recommended careers support and the challenges faced by the younger generation during their transition from education to employment.
Uptree’s Founder CEO, Tamsin Dewhurst, commented on the survey findings:
“Experiences of work are fundamental in helping young people to make informed career choices and develop essential skills, and it’s our mission at Uptree to drive accessible experiences for all young people. What our research shows is that young people can find it a struggle to navigate the professional world and we see first-hand their uncertainty. With the growing skills gap in the UK, we encourage employers to educate this younger generation on careers to upskill and equip future talent pipelines. We’re proud to work with a number of employers who help to build students’ confidence and careers knowledge through online courses and networking at our termly multi-industry careers event.”
Uptree is a professional network which connects employers and young people.
UPDATE on 27 February: Report and webinar presenting the findings
On 27 February, Uptree held an employer webinar, Coffee with Uptree, sharing valuable findings from the report, shedding light on young people’s work experiences and identifying barriers to attendance. Speakers included Dr Aleksandra Kubica and Dr Susie Jennings, Senior Researchers from the Bridge Group, and Valeriya Kurova, Education Partnerships Officer at Uptree. Click on the link below to download the report or watch a recording of the event.