New research from global hiring platform, Indeed, finds that whether going to university or starting a job, young people feel optimistic about entering the workforce.
Indeed’s survey of 1,000 16-19-year-olds and 500 employers in the UK, found that despite economic uncertainty, 70% of young people feel confident about starting out in the workforce, while almost two thirds (65%) feel hopeful about their future career prospects.
Almost three quarters (73%) say they already possess valuable skills to offer an employer, while an even greater proportion (77%) are confident they can learn new skills quickly even if they don’t have them yet. For example, nearly half (48%) are interested in learning to use AI tools to help them at work, while around a third (32%) believe they already have AI skills that could benefit the workplace.
Encouragingly, 62% of young people already know what they want to do after school, and 70% believe there are many paths into work beyond university.
Employers value attitude over academic credentials
More than 4 in 5 UK employers (83%) agree that young people bring important qualities to the workplace, from energy and enthusiasm (57%) to fresh perspectives and new ideas (54%), and a willingness to learn and take feedback (52%).
Backing up this belief, when it comes to hiring for entry-level roles, UK employers rank attitude and a willingness to learn (52%) as much more important than A-levels or other academic qualifications (18%).
More than two-thirds (68%) of employers say a university degree is not essential for success in entry-level roles, while 71% don’t see limited work experience as a barrier to hiring, instead, 85% value curiosity and a willingness to learn just as much as educational qualifications.
Education still holds weight in evolving jobs market
While employers are increasingly open to a broader range of routes into work, young people still place strong value on their education, with 4 in 5 (81%) believing their educational qualifications will play an important role in their future career success.
Even as AI continues to reshape the jobs landscape, many young people remain committed to pursuing higher education. Almost a quarter (23%) of those taking or having taken A-levels/BTECs say the rise of AI has made them question the value of a degree, yet they still plan to go to university. A similar proportion, around one in five (21%), say that AI has had no impact on how they view degrees or further qualifications.
Among those A-level/BTEC students, 59% are considering university as a route into work. At the same time, young people are also thinking entrepreneurially, with almost 1 in 5 (19%) considering starting their own business.
Bridging the gap between education and employment
For many young people, the journey from the classroom to the workplace is still taking shape. Just over a third (34%) say they have received helpful career guidance at school, with 31% saying they have had guidance but it hasn’t been very helpful. The research shows that those who are taking or having taken A-levels/BTECs (36%) are getting more helpful guidance than those who haven’t (29%). Despite the rapid rise in AI, only 4% of young people report having received helpful AI training at school.
However, advice is coming from outside of the classroom, with 60% saying they have had helpful conversations with adults or mentors about their career options. When it comes to getting started, young people think their lack of work experience (45%), lack of available jobs in their area (43%), and not knowing where to start (26%) are the biggest barriers to finding a job.
Employers recognise the need for stronger workplace preparation, citing more accessible apprenticeships or training (39%), more exposure to the workplace through school visits or work experience (38%) and in-house mentorship (29%) as areas that would help young people succeed. 28% of employers said AI training in school or university would be beneficial.
Matt Price, Senior Director at Indeed comments: “Despite economic uncertainty and shifts in the UK jobs market, young people today are still preparing to enter the workforce with confidence, adaptability and a strong sense of their own value. At the same time, employers are showing recognition of the ambitions of this generation, prioritising attitude and a willingness to learn over traditional qualifications.
“Young people are clearly open to multiple pathways into work. With a joined up approach across education, industry and government to provide early career support and real-world experiences, this next generation will be prepared to enter the workforce with confidence.
“For students receiving their results this week: remember there is no single path to success. Whether you’re heading to university, going straight into work, or exploring something entirely different, what matters most is your mindset and readiness to learn and grow.”
