There are more than one million young people aged 16-24 who are receiving a form of government benefits in the UK known as "jobseeker's allowance". This is because they are facing a tougher time getting a job than previous generations. The job market in the UK is too competitive for them, and they lack the proper skills for the jobs. This problem needs to be addressed urgently, and some innovators are already thinking of solutions. There are many startups in the market who are rethinking how to use technology to improve training, skills and education.
Digital Programs
Nominet Trust is a company that seeks out digital programs that can improve the job prospects of young people in the UK. It can provide means for making new connections that will improve access to social groups and resources. It can also provide advice on how to freelance and earn a living through micro-employment. These young people need help with showing off their talent to employers using digital technology. Nominet trust is devoted to expanding their horizons so they can see all the opportunity available to them out there. Innovators in the world of social media have invented many solutions and below is a sample of them.
Task Squad
Task Squad is a company that helps young people who cannot get hired because they have no prior work experience. It gives them flexible, short-term, paid work if they are between 18 and 25 years old. vInspired is the volunteer network behind this company. It offers micro-employment in the same manner as Task Rabbit. It does work for small businesses, charities and other projects. Young people working for Task Squad get paid assignments that may be small but that provide invaluable experience. They can use their experience gained at Task Squad to get better work in the future. This company earned a spot as a finalist in the Google Global Impact Challenge.
The Crowd Works
In our modern world, the majority of the available jobs aren't advertised. Half of all people find work through word of mouth. The Crowd Works is changing how recruitment works. With their system, employers pay less money to find talented labor. Jobs are posted without cost and recruitment fees are split between the company and the candidate.
Plan.Do
Young people are being helped by the mobile app Plan.DO. With it, they can take collective social action on projects. These projects are intended to demonstrate skills and personality to interested companies. Applicants are encouraged to choose projects that have personal meaning to them. As projects are completed, badges are earned. This helps distinguish them from other candidates in employer's eyes.
Digital Youth Academy Youth Web Builder
This site allows young people to get accredited in online skills. It is also a form of direct work experience completing tasks for non-profits. The Nominet trust helps by providing funding. There is accreditation for the young people as they prove competency in important skills.
Digital Assistant Academy
This website lets young women from low-income families earn more money through flexible means. Flexibility is important because many young women have existing commitments to children or parents. In this program, they can learn to be a freelancer with the skills of a digital assistant.
State of Ambition
This program helps young people in the UK to get mobilised in pursuing their dreams. Many young people have something they want to communicate but are afraid no one will listen. They are given 21 days to spread the message about what they are trying to do in the world. Schools and institutions are needed to get involved in the projects. One company that specializes in satellite internet tech has signed on board to help the UK's young job seekers.
Fluency
Fluency is a program that trains young people employed by small businesses. It gives lessons in email marketing, social media marketing and search engine marketing. It can fast-track young people without jobs into paying positions in marketing.