Mark Hoban: Our children deserve the chance to experience the world of working life

We all know the problem – you can’t get a job without experience, but you can’t get experience without a job. And the result? A huge pool of talent, enthusiasm and potential goes to waste. If we are to achieve our goal of being an aspiration nation then young people need to be given a chance. If Britain and its businesses are to compete in the global race, then we need to tap into that pool of talent.

The answer? Give young people the opportunity to showcase their talents and show potential employers what they are capable of. And this is just what is happening in businesses across Yorkshire through our hugely expanded work experience scheme.

Already, more than 10,000 people in Yorkshire have volunteered to take up the opportunity of a work experience placement, and I am grateful to all the employers – big and small – that have offered them the chance to get their foot in the door, and gain some vital work skills that will help them get on in life.

It’s a real tribute to those businesses and charities that more than 1,200 places have been taken up in Hull alone – one of the highest take-ups we’ve seen across the whole of Great Britain. And it’s great to see other parts of the region close behind, with more than 1,100 jobseekers having benefited in Leeds, 940 in Sheffield and 770 in Bradford.

The most important thing is we know it works. We commissioned research which found that for every 100 people who take part in our work experience placements, more than one third – 35 – were in work five months later. That is eight more than if they had not participated.

With a clear benefit like that, it amazes me that a small number of people continue to attack this scheme, apparently determined to stand in the way of jobseekers finding a job. Not only is their opposition downright insulting, but they also completely fail to offer any workable alternative.

Claiming benefits sets up a contract between the taxpayer and those looking for work. We will pay Jobseeker’s Allowance and offer a huge amount of support to jobseekers. The jobseeker’s part of the contract is to take up our help. Most recognise the benefits of this help. They aspire to get on in life so will do all they can to give themselves the best chance of getting off benefits and into work.

That’s why so many people have been happy to volunteer to take part in work experience because they know strengthening their 
CV will boost their chances of moving off benefits and getting into work. They also continue to receive their benefits while on their placement.

You don’t have to take my word for it, just ask some of those people who’ve benefited and are now in work. People like Chris Rooney from Bradford who ended up with a job at boat builders Winder Boats after a spell on work experience there. He’s been able to see the benefits of being better off in work and has been able to learn new skills, while the company got an enthusiastic new recruit they knew would be a 
good fit.

Work experience can boost a young person’s confidence, employability and prospects. But offering a placement can be a great opportunity for the employer as well, giving them a chance to see a potential recruit in action.

So it’s no wonder work experience has the backing of some of Britain’s leading employers, as well as hundreds of small and medium sized firms across Yorkshire. Through our Youth Contract, which is all about helping more young people into work, we’re now able to offer 100,000 places every year.

Despite what the cynics predicted, we’ve actually seen an impressive increase in the number of jobs since 2010, and unemployment has also come down.

In Yorkshire and the Humber, that means 2,400 fewer people 
on Jobseeker’s Allowance compared to the same time last year, an extra 73,000 people in work and unemployment down by 15,000.

But we’re not complacent because we know there are still big challenges ahead – the small increase in unemployment in the region this month is a reminder of that. Youth unemployment is a particular priority, and that’s where work experience can really help.

So to those employers who aren’t yet involved in the scheme, why not follow the example others are setting and get in touch with your local jobcentre to help give many more young people a chance?

By helping them to experience the world of work you would be hugely increasing their chances of moving into a job. And what’s more, it can be good for your business too as young people bring with them new ideas and enthusiasm which can help your business to expand and grow.

Work experience is a winner for everyone.