Youth Unemployment

Youth unemployment is at an all time high and as an HR and Training consultant this has really got me thinking about the bigger issues surrounding Youth unemployment.

I know that on a national scale the Government has started to tackle this issue especially after the unrest we saw last year in 2011. I am sure we were all taken a back by the violence, destruction and loss of life that had been caused by Youth frustration.

It was a sad day!

I can remember from experience how frustrating it was trying to get my first  job having just left college. I had lots of qualifications but no experience. This model does not seem to have changed  and still as a society we expect Young people to have qualifications and also experience. We need a new model.

For the majority, unemployed youths are desperately seeking employment and not causing trouble on the streets. They are just as frustrated as the next person who has been made redundant at another stage of their lives.

It is expected unemployment is going to rise even further and people from all walks of life are going to find themselves out of a job. These are difficult times for all.

So how can we tackle Youth Unemployment?

I feel we should educate our children at school on how to start and run a business. Schools need to educate our children in all related business issues by taking out some of the mystiques and building solid knowledge of operating a business and its finances!

How can HR help now?

I know HR professionals need to adapt their interview processes and procedures to help Youths into the work place. In larger organizations HR departments should work with industry,schools and colleges to encourage youths into their industry sectors by offering apprenticeships and scholarships.

What can HR  do at local level?

HR should offer quality work experience placements for those who are in school or are unemployed. Quality work experience placements do work and can develop excellent workers for the future in any business or industry sector.

By offering support and opportunities now we can change the lives of others!

HR and training needs to sit at the top table in all organizations to grow its future.