Article: From school to work: the broken transition Written by Dave Waller Wednesday 15 July 2026 Share Share to LinkedIn Share to Facebook Share via email Young people are finding it harder than ever to get into jobs and thrive. Here’s what’s happening behind the scenes. All over the world, governments and employers are having to reckon with the challenges facing young people seeking to enter the workforce. Youth unemployment is high and often rising, and young people sometimes appear disengaged from the workplace. In the UK, the number of young people not in education, employment or training has passed one million for the first time since 2013. Even a university degree doesn’t offer the key to a career it once did. Last week, CMI released its report into this troubling state of affairs, Bridging the gap: Supporting a new generation of leaders. The launch event in London was packed with many influential leaders with an interest in youth opportunity in the UK. The report also garnered significant media interest – not least the finding that only 6% of managers feel that young people are ready for the workplace. Are we preparing young people for success? Our new report, 'Bridging the gap: Supporting a new generation of leaders', shows that the UK's structural challenge in how young people transition from education into work extends far beyond those not in education, employment or training. It reveals a growing disconnect between employer expectations and young people’s readiness for the workplace. Read the report In her introductory speech, Ann Francke OBE CMgr CCMI, CMI’s chief executive, addressed a common criticism of today’s youth – the argument that getting into work has never been easy for any generation. Things have changed for employers on that front, she said. “The framing back then was, ‘I can't wait to take young Bill and turn him into a future leader, and it’s my role as a manager or employer to do that,’” she said. “Today, the framing seems to be, ‘I don’t control that’ or ‘I can’t teach him’. And Gen Z are left feeling those managers really don't believe in them or support them.” Ann then hosted a panel discussion that featured a diverse group invested in improving opportunities for young people. Here are five takeaways from their conversation. 1. Line managers can empower Simren Johal is a CMI Future Leader who sits on our West Midlands and North West Regional Board as the joint communications and social media lead. She recalled how an experienced and empathetic mentor shaped her experience of the West Midlands Combined Authority youth board, including urging her to speak on diversity in civic leadership at a roundtable event when she was just 18. “My mentor belonged to the same background as me, and she was really good at her job,” she said. “She knew absolutely everything, and I really valued that. I could see myself in her, and I could see myself hopefully one day getting to where she is. That wouldn’t have been possible had we not had that mentorship and that support. I’ve now done five years of youth advocacy, all because of that lovely experience.” 2. Attitude isn’t the issue CMI’s research found that, while around half of young people say they have the self-management skills needed to enter the workforce, only 6% of managers believe that to be true. Describing that disparity as “unbelievable”, Amelia Topley, office manager at AK Fire Protection, shared a sobering story of what it’s like to be a job seeker from a generation that is stereotyped and stigmatised. “If I send my CV, I don’t put my date of birth on it, just because of that bias of people thinking that I’m inexperienced,” she said. “I don’t know whether people have had an issue with people in the workplace previously, or whether they just think we’re lazy and we’re not bothered – but people are bothered, and there is that ambition.” Keep reading – three more insights Login or register below for Free Instant Access Login If you are already registered as a CMI Friend, Subscriber or Member, just login to view this article. Confirm your registration Login below to confirm your details and access this article. Log in Register for Free Access Not yet a Member, Subscriber or Friend? Register as a CMI Friend for free, and get access to this and many other exclusive resources, as well as weekly updates straight to your inbox. Article Our extensive range of articles are designed to keep you in the loop with all the latest management and leadership best practice, research and news. Members See More CMI Members have access to thousands of online learning and CPD resources. Learn more about our membership benefits Join The Community CMI offers a variety of flexible membership solutions, tailored to your needs. Find out more and get involved in the CMI community today.
