The new school to work path

Every year, LinkedIn editors ask a chosen group of top voices to share the Big Ideas they believe will define the year ahead. I was invited to submit my thoughts on changes in the careers sector, specifically the school to work career path. Today, at the start of Careers Week 2023, it seemed a good timing to share those predictions again. 

University fees remain eye-wateringly expensive, the cost of living has started to bite and graduates are facing an unemployment rate of over 10%. Compare that to the UK overall unemployment rate of 3.7% in the last quarter of 2022. It equates to about 96,000 unemployed graduates every academic year.

Those factors alone may be convincing young people that going to university isn't the best financial start in life. Coupled with that, we're also seeing workplaces offer education benefits, so people can start work first and then get an education, or "learn while they earn".

This has come about in part because businesses are recognising that offering benefits outside of your salary is a game-changer in terms of attracting, engaging and retaining great talent – and that those benefits need to be better than a pool table and Friday beers. Employees are likely to be more content as learning is linked to happiness, and in turn that means a more productive and positive workplace. It's a win-win.

While businesses offering educational opportunities to staff members may not be a new concept, more companies are adding this perk to their suite of employee benefits and this will become even more commonplace in 2023.

This is tempting people to join the workforce rather than go to university, whether that's in entry-level jobs, paid internships or apprenticeships. On a practical level, it makes absolute sense. You get a solid financial start to your career while also having access to further education should you want it, and likely also a personal development plan and career growth. You're also demonstrating your commitment to a company and a strong work ethic, both attributes that employers look for.

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