Published on May 26, 2026
A recent BBC News article highlighted growing concerns around youth employment in the UK. Lord Wolfson, CEO of Next, explained that while the company used to receive around 10 applications for every retail vacancy just two years ago, that figure has now risen to 19. He also pointed out that young people with the least experience are often the hardest hit when opportunities become more limited.
This reflects a wider challenge facing many young people today. As retailers and hospitality businesses reduce hiring, fewer entry-level roles are available – especially for students and school leavers trying to gain their first experience in the workplace.
From a training and development perspective, this makes personal growth and employability skills more important than ever. Qualifications matter, but so do confidence, communication, professionalism, and the ability to present yourself well to employers.
That’s why opportunities such as lunchtime learning sessions, webinars, and short courses can make a real difference. Topics like business communication, interview preparation, negotiation, and confidence-building can help young people stand out and develop the skills employers are actively looking for.
We also offer sessions covering a wide range of industry-focused topics delivered by experienced professionals, including leading lawyers and specialists working directly within the creative industries. For example, our copyright in Music, Film & TV session is run by an established IP lawyer who provides real-world insight into intellectual property, contracts, licensing, royalties, and protecting creative work. While students may not yet have hands-on industry experience, gaining knowledge from professionals operating at the highest legal level can be just as valuable – if not more so – as it gives them an early understanding of how the industry really works on paper.
At the end of the day, showing initiative, investing in your own development, and building transferable skills can help open doors – even in a competitive job market.
Free resources and development tools can be found here:
IPI Academy Free Resources
Published on May 26, 2026 by Ella Thomas