This week, I wanted to reflect on the challenges and opportunities ahead of young people entering the workplace for the first time in 2025.
In Welwyn Hatfield we are lucky to be home to good schools, Oaklands College and the University of Hertfordshire.
Our local performance runs ahead of the national average, but it is unacceptable that nearly one in eight 16 to 24 year olds across the country are not in employment, education and training.
Nationally and locally, we must redouble our efforts to provide opportunities to all.
Last month the Government announced an enhanced skills package, with a record £3 billion apprenticeship budget. We are working towards a national ‘Youth Guarantee’, so that we can ultimately get to a position where every 18 to 21 year old is offered a place in: full time work, an apprenticeship, training or education.
By 2035, it is anticipated that around 10 million workers will be in position where AI will be part of their role or responsibilities in some form — so it’s vital we help young people adapt.
I’m delighted the Government introduce a new £187 million government 'TechFirst' programme to bring digital skills and AI learning into classrooms and help to train people for the tech careers of the future.
While embracing technology matters, so do more traditional routes like work experience and paid internships. There is no substitute for spending time in a workplace.
It builds skills, boosts confidence, and provides a complementary perspective to time in a classroom.
As an MP, I am also a small employer. I try to play my part, with the first three interns to join my team all young people from Welwyn Hatfield.
Our first work experience trainee joined us last week — a 17-year-old who brought energy, initiative and got to see PMQs in the House of Commons.
I’ve spent time visiting all of our secondary schools in Welwyn Hatfield and was at Monk’s Walk just last week.
I am consistently blown away by the maturity, ambition and determination to succeed that students possess.
It’s up to employers to keep offering opportunities and for Government to step-in and help wherever we can.
If you are interested in a one week work experience placement in my office, please get in touch via andrew.lewin.mp@parliament.uk.
Share