We publish blogs to provide insights from, and stimulate debate about, the latest research and thinking. Any views expressed are those of the author and not necessarily those of the Institute as a whole.
The UK is facing a dual challenge of both consistently focusing on the development of the invisible skills and systematically measuring them. Unless both the issues are addressed together, the disadvantage gap is likely to widen in the context of the future labour market.
Nick Litsardopoulos examines the current crisis in UK graduate employment, reflecting on the factors which have led to it, and identifying the actions and policy priorities which could provide possible solutions.
Dr Alexandra Nancarrow examines how mapping the available support for transitioning from education to employment is essential for helping young people access the right services, and for enabling local authorities to identify gaps and build a more coherent, integrated system.
Billy Campbell discusses the mapping of support services available to young people from four specific groups and seeking employment. This project, commissioned by the Youth Futures Foundation, provides a clear visual representation of what support is available, and where more support is needed.
Billy Campbell reflects on the recently published evaluation of the Cumbrian Youth Alliance's Forging Futures Programme, which aims to support 16 to 24-year-olds who are not in employment, education or training into sustained employment, and identifies the key take-away lessons from this research.
Naomi Clayton takes an in-depth look at the newly published Keep Britain Working Review, including summarising the key findings and how the recommendations can best be implemented.
Based on evaluating ELATT's learner support provisions, Lorraine Lanceley reflects on how, with the right understanding and support, successful outcomes can be achieved for neurodivergent learners and those with additional needs.
The IES Trials Unit has the goal of providing evidence for policy and practice in the education and employment arenas. As the Unit goes into year three, Dr Susie Bamford and Dr Alexandra Nancarrow reflect on what has been achieved to date, current projects and future plans.
Following the party political conferences, Becci Newton looks at the current participation of 16 to 18 year olds in education and training, the worrying rise in levels of non-participation, and the main parties' policy intentions on this. She covers recent policy history, reasons for success, or lack of it, and recommendations to achieve improvements.
IES has supported the development of a new Youth Employment Toolkit from Youth Futures Foundation. Becci Newton explains how the resource is designed to move the dial from identifying the risks facing marginalised young people to supporting them to see better outcomes.
