Why investing in young people makes good business sense

• Young people can bring enthusiasm, fresh perspectives, and a willingness to learn.
• Investing in young people can help employers develop the skills they need and address recruitment challenges.
• Providing opportunities for young people can benefit businesses, local communities, and the wider economy.

Many employers are finding it harder to recruit the people they need.

Businesses of all sizes can struggle to find candidates with the right skills and experience. At the same time, many young people are looking for opportunities to gain experience and start their careers.

That's why investing in young people makes good business sense.

Giving young people opportunities to learn and develop can help employers build skills, support recruitment, and create a stronger workforce for the future.

Why businesses need new people coming into their sector

Most industries rely on a steady flow of new people entering the workforce.

As experienced employees retire, change careers, or move on to new opportunities, businesses need people who can learn, develop, and eventually fill those gaps.

For some employers, especially smaller businesses, losing even one experienced member of staff can have a significant impact. Supporting young people into work can help ensure important skills and knowledge continue to be passed on.

Young people can bring energy and a willingness to learn

Every new employee brings different experiences and perspectives.

Young people are often keen to learn, develop new skills, and prove themselves in the workplace. They can bring enthusiasm, curiosity, and a fresh outlook that complements the experience already within a team.

They may also be familiar with new technologies, changing customer expectations, and different ways of working.

For employers, this combination of fresh ideas and existing experience can be valuable.

People still matter

Artificial intelligence is changing the way many organisations work, helping businesses save time on routine tasks and access information more quickly.

But while technology can support productivity, it can't replace the qualities that help workplaces succeed. Communication, teamwork, customer service, problem-solving, and building relationships remain essential in almost every sector.

Young people entering the workforce today will develop these skills through real-world experience, learning from colleagues, customers, and managers over time.

For employers, investing in young people isn't about choosing people instead of technology. It's about ensuring businesses continue to have the skilled, adaptable workforce they need as technology continues to evolve.

Passing on skills and knowledge

Recruiting experienced employees isn't always easy.

In some industries, employers find themselves competing for a relatively small number of people with the right skills and experience.

Investing in young people provides an alternative approach. Rather than waiting for the perfect candidate to become available, employers can support people to learn and develop within the business.

Many employers can trace some of their most valued staff back to an entry-level opportunity. Given the chance to gain experience, young people can grow into reliable employees who understand the business, its customers, and its values.

Every experienced worker starts somewhere. Today's apprentice, trainee, or junior employee could become tomorrow's supervisor, manager, technician, engineer, or specialist.

Businesses need people entering their sector because they're the people who will develop the knowledge, skills, and experience needed to keep organisations running in the years ahead. Without a steady flow of new entrants, employers can find themselves facing skills gaps as experienced staff retire or move on.

There are lots of ways to get involved

Investing in young people doesn't always mean creating a new permanent role.

Employers can support young people through:

• Work experience placements
• Apprenticeships
• Entry-level jobs
• Mentoring and coaching
• Careers events and workplace visits
• Training and development opportunities

Even small steps can make a significant difference to someone's future.

A practical investment in the future

Supporting young people into work will fill vacancies, but it can also help people gain skills, confidence, and experience while making sure businesses have access to the people they need in the years ahead.

If you're an employer in Greater Manchester looking to create opportunities for young people, the Jobs Guarantee can help you provide meaningful paid employment, support the next generation of workers, and strengthen your business.

Find out more on the Jobs Guarantee page.

The Growth Company

The Growth Company is an award-winning social enterprise with a 35-year history of enabling growth, creating jobs, and improving lives. We help people and businesses to develop, grow, and succeed through a range of employment, skills, and business support services. We provide employment, justice, and health services across the North of England and beyond.

Learn more about the Employer Services that we offer.