44% of UK Teens Seek More Work Experience as 43% Want Finance Lessons
Updated
Updated · bbc.co.uk · Oct 20
44% of UK Teens Seek More Work Experience as 43% Want Finance Lessons
3 articles · Updated · bbc.co.uk · Oct 20
Summary
More than half of 2,000 UK teenagers surveyed said they had done no work experience, even as 44% asked schools for more placements and 42% wanted more help applying for jobs.
The same BBC-commissioned Survation poll found 43% wanted more teaching on managing finances, 39% on stress and mental health, and 38% on communication skills.
32% said school was preparing them badly for the future of work amid AI and new technology, though more than half said preparation was good and over three quarters still felt positive about their futures.
Students in Newcastle who tried placements said the experience clarified career choices and exposed gaps in social and workplace skills, while employers said presentation, public speaking and group work matter alongside academic results.
The findings land as England's government pushes to guarantee two weeks of secondary-school work experience, with ministers framing employability support as central to helping teenagers navigate a tough jobs market.