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Tomorrow is World Youth Skills Day 2021 and here at Bridge we think it’s incredibly important to shine a light on this particular subject, especially after the last year.

Statistically, young people are around three times more likely to be unemployed than adults, and are constantly exposed to lower quality jobs, inequalities within the market and generally a tougher time with regards to job searches. This is a challenge for young people anyway, but now more so than ever.

Education and training are key in aiding young people with the transition from school to work but this isn’t always accessible for young people. Government statistics show that the number of people starting apprenticeships between 2020 and 2021 had dropped by 18.5 percent, presumably due to the pandemic. Figures covering the 2020/21 academic year were 161,900, compared with 198,600 reported for the same period in 2019/20.

That being said, as part of this year’s National Apprenticeship Week in February, the Government announced brand new traineeship pilots in construction and rail to start this summer. These will aid members of the younger generation to gain the skills, confidence and knowledge they need in order to get a job, or progress onto an apprenticeship – something that will be hugely beneficial at such a key point in their lives.

IWFM’s Rising FMs Special Interest Group (SIG) recently interviewed former apprentices Kelly Stone and Gavin Payne from Heathrow Airport about their apprentice experience, career paths and their advice to those starting out on their journey. Both agreed that their careers went from strength to strength after starting out as apprentices, and how apprenticeships have helped others at Heathrow achieve and succeed. Kelly is now Head of Airside and Engineering Operations while Gavin is the Director of Engineering and Baggage, both key members of the Company.

Here at Bridge we are passionate about introducing young people to the Facilities Management industry and are always keen on sourcing roles for younger Candidates, as it is possible they can bring a different perspective and outlook to the roles in which they are placed. If you would like to find out more, please do not hesitate to contact us on LinkedIn or drop us an email at communications@bridgerecruitment.co.uk