“With A-level results day coming and hundreds, if not thousands, of students on the hunt for a job, employers need to quickly bolster and shift their recruitment strategies,” Nahla Khaddage Bou-Diab, CEO of banking firm AM Bank, told HR magazine.
“They have to hire for the culture they want, not just core technical skills. Technical skills only account for a part of the modern organisation's needs – HR and recruiting teams must strike a balance between skills and culture to secure the best results when hiring.”
Two thirds (67%) of employers consider soft skills more important in than educational qualifications when hiring, according to data published yesterday (14 August) from the recruitment platform Indeed .
The firm's survey, which drew insights from 500 UK employers, also showed that fewer than 1% of UK job postings mentioned requirements for A-level or equivalent qualifications.
Read more: Young employees unprotected by employment rights
Offering apprenticeships could help younger employees enter the workplace, said Kirstie Donnelly, CEO of vocational education organisation City & Guilds.
“For employers looking to attract young talent directly from sixth form or college, apprenticeships present a valuable opportunity to engage with and develop the next generation of skilled professionals,” she told HR magazine.
"In these challenging economic times, apprenticeships are becoming a more attractive alternative to university for many young people, offering the certainty of a wage and a clear career path.
“For employers, apprenticeships are not just a solution for immediate staffing needs; they are a strategic investment in cultivating a skilled workforce essential for business growth and success.”
Employers should invest in training for younger employees to ensure they are equipped with skills they need in their careers, commented Alexia Pedersen, SVP of international at training providers O’Reilly.
Speaking to HR magazine, she said: “With many just starting their professional journey and still learning so many foundational skills, businesses absolutely need to be focused on investing in learning and development for [younger talent].”
A mix of learning formats could help younger employees gain new skills, Pedersen added.
She continued: “To support a smooth transition from school and higher education into work, companies should offer a blended approach to learning.
“This approach can support multi models such as online learning, workshops and mentorship. Access to learning resources should be underpinned by high-quality content that is focused on equipping young employees with the skills and mindset needed to leverage new technologies effectively.”
Read more: "Stay on top of skills and technology to overcome future challenges"
Learning platform Udemy’s Q2 2024 Global Workplace Learning Index revealed that many employees are keen to improve their soft skills: there was a worldwide increase in demand from employees for soft skills training from Q1 of 2024 to Q2, including a 51% increase in demand for training on problem solving.
In the same time frame there was a 27% increase in demand for training on teamwork, and 24% for change management.
Liz Stokes, HR director for parcel delivery network The APC, emphasised that employers should remain aware of young workers’ evolving needs as they progress in their careers.
“Our approach to talent management acknowledges the evolving perceptions and expectations of younger generations, adapting HR strategies to foster a culture of growth and opportunity,” she told HR magazine.
“This not only attracts the best talent but also keeps people engaged and committed.
"We look to provide long-term career prospects for people – providing training, flexibility and opportunities for growth – to ensure our people continue to feel recognised for their efforts and maintain a sense of job security, but also help grow the next generation of leaders.”
