A society failing its young women at every stage of education

Yesterday saw the launch of results from Youth Employment UK’s Youth Voice Census, a survey capturing the experiences of 1,498 14-24 year olds transitioning between education and employment.

• At every stage of education young women are getting less access to careers support than young men.
• Young women are less likely to have work experience opportunities.
• Young women are 20% less likely to have ever received experiences like CV workshops and visits to university in comparison with young men.
• 75% of young women have never had the option of starting their own business discussed with them.
• Young men are statistically more confident that they know the skills employers are looking for (54%) in comparison to young women (38%).

The key findings of this inaugural Youth Voice Census demonstrate that young women are not accessing the same opportunities as young men whilst at school or college.

The census has identified clear differences in the information and experiences young women are receiving at every point of their education experience, including careers guidance, work experience and preparing for employment.

Given the current conversation around the gender pay gap, the results of this census should come as a stark warning.

If young women are not being supported in learning about all the careers and pathways available, there may not be a future labour force of women who aspire to the same roles as men. Gender inequality will remain a challenge.

The Youth Voice Census will become an annual national benchmarking tool acting as a temperature check of young people’s experiences, and a study in how the support they are receiving is helping them to progress and fulfill their potential.

Laura-Jane Rawlings, Youth Employment UK CEO:

“Youth Employment UK are delighted to launch the first Youth Voice Census. Allowing young people to share their experiences has led to some uncomfortable truths.

“As a society we are not where we thought we were; young people are still not getting the information they need to help guide and support their future. Young women, specifically, are being disadvantaged. We must ensure that key information and support is reaching all young people and their influencers.

“As our Youth Voice Census is an annual survey, we will be able to measure the impact of policy and society on our young people, and ensure their voices continue to be heard.”