KISS partners with the Rio Ferdinand Foundation on new campaign #notboxed
Half of young people in the UK are unsure
how to get the career they want.
Together we have launched #notboxed, a campaign featuring a programme of events and opportunities to drive new investment and support from business and government, other decision-makers and people in power.
The campaign follows new insight from a KISS survey of 16-24 year olds* which found that there is a significant knowledge gap in how young people can kickstart their careers. While over three-quarters of young people know or have some idea of what their dream job would be, nearly half are unsure of the process of how to apply or put themselves forward in the field of their choice.
The study echoes recent government figures which showed that 467,000 16-24s in the UK are currently unemployed, and 1 in 9 young people are now not in employment, education, or training.**
The campaign will see KISS shine a light on real stories and amplify the work the Rio Ferdinand Foundation aims to do over the next year.
“Compounded by the post-Covid landscape, the need to develop skills and gain meaningful employment and social mobility for young people is more urgent than ever. There isn’t one type of person in need here – its everyone. Together with the Rio Ferdinand Foundation, we will work with young people to inform, drive awareness and create real impact”
— Rebecca Frank, Content Director Kiss FM
“It’s such a fragile time for young people in the UK with the pandemic having shattered already difficult times in finding their next steps in life. We’re proud to stand by Rio’s mission in shining a light on their stories and helping to find solutions.”
— Kiss Breakfast presenters Jordan and Perri
“This partnership with KISS will give a great platform for young people to tell their own stories, engage with employers to unlock new talent and pathways and to campaign for change in the way we invest in young people for the future. I can’t wait to get started.”
Rio Ferdinand
A new study from leading radio station KISS has shown that there is a significant knowledge gap in how young people can kickstart their careers.
The survey of 16–24-year-olds* demonstrated that while over three-quarters of young people know or have some idea of what their dream job would be, nearly half are unsure of the process of how to apply or put themselves forward in the field of their choice.
This however does not put people off, with 47% stating that with the right support they believe they can fulfil their career ambitions. Nearly 60% of young people believe that a “willingness to learn” should be the skill most valued by employers, followed by “passion” and “new ideas”. Young people do not wish to be defined only by their schooling, with only 5% selecting exam results as something employers should place value on, and 10% on previous work experience.
Young people are also focussed on long-term financial goals when it comes to their career as opposed to short-term gains. 40% stated their main financial priority upon securing employment would be to buy a house, with 33% wanting to save for the future.
The study also interviewed youth workers, with over 90% sharing that that pandemic had negatively and severely impacted young people’s confidence comparatively to pre-pandemic, as well as their engagement with youth services.
In terms of careers advice, over half of youth workers said that there was limited advice and information for young people in their community while 22% shared there was no services available at all.
The study echoes recent government figures which showed that 467,000 16-24s in the UK are currently unemployed, and 1 in 9 young people are now not in employment, education, or training.**
*Social qualitative survey of 150 recipients.
** Youth unemployment statistics - House of Commons Library (parliament.uk)
#NotBoxed is a youth-led campaign of young people’s stories, frustrations and solutions.
Partners involved in #notboxed already in investing in young people's skills and future pathways are; Warner Music UK, The Gym Group, and The Jockey Club.
Bauer Media is supporting this campaign through The Bauer Academy, providing training and facilitation for young people
The #NotBoxed partnership will engage young people from across the country in skills and events, seminars and workshops.
Together as a youth-led collective we will showcase the youth experience across a multitude of communications channels to engage the public, business and policy makers, and we will drive a programme of social action, that will seek transformational changes in investment, training and employability. Changes that will enhance employability pathways and improve the support available to help young people achieve meaningful careers.
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