For sixth form students today, it is becoming increasingly difficult to find part time work, especially without any previous experience.
But of course, to gain experience in the workforce, one needs to work.
This creates a vicious cycle, as employers aren’t willing to hire those without experience, and so students can’t gain experience, barring them from getting any other jobs.
A victim of this cycle is Isla Clancy who has just started year 12 in the Merton area.
Isla has, in the last three months, applied to six jobs, heard back from two, and been rejected from all.
Isla’s main question is “How are we supposed to enter the world of work when we are denied the opportunities to gain experience?”
And Isla is not alone, many of her peers are in the same boat, as prices continue to rise and more financial strains are put onto families, more students are looking for part time work.
The effect this has on young people can be damaging to their mental health.
Isla notes that “It’s really demoralising, when I’ve applied to so many places for jobs and it makes me worry for my future in the workplace, it has put me under immense stress”, showing that being continuously rejected can be disheartening and perhaps deter young people from putting themselves out there in the future.
Therefore, this cycle is creating discouraged teens, illustrating the need for more businesses to offer work to young people to help them gain experience and confidence in the workplace.
As Isla says there “should be a scheme in place to give students and young people the work experience they need.”
