A generation of young people growing up but not working

The recent publication of a report into young people and work has laid bare a systemic issue within the UK economy and wider society.

The 'Milburn Review' into young people and work, commissioned by the government and carried out by the Rt Hon Alan Milburn, states:

"Nearly one million young people aged 16 to 24 in the United Kingdom are not in education, employment or training (NEET). One in 8 young people. And rising. Behind the statistics lie individual lives: aspirations thwarted, opportunities lost, futures placed on hold."

Research has also been carried out to assess how leaving school without something to go onto can do lasting damage to a young person’s employment prospects, earnings potential and wellbeing.

More than ever, we need volunteers from the business community to support the next generation.

Focus on what you can change

While the solutions will be complex and multi-faceted, there is a pressing need for employers to get more involved in the development of young people's skills and workplace experience.

Enterprise Advisers play a big role in preparing young people for the future and can act as a bridge between business and education.

What does an Enterprise Adviser do?

Enterprise Advisers are experienced professionals who volunteer their time to support a local school or college with its careers education. Working alongside a Careers Leader and supported by a dedicated coordinator from the Bucks Skills Hub, they help ensure that young people are better prepared for the world of work.

It’s not about being an expert in education - it’s about bringing their real-world experience into the classroom.

Celebrating impacts

Volunteers' Week, which runs from June 1st-7th 2026, is a great time to celebrate Enterprise Advisers for the role they play in strengthening careers education, connecting young people with employers and helping unlock meaningful workplace experiences. This includes how they:

• Play a critical role in supporting young people most at risk of missing out, including those classified as NEET
• Help to reimagine modern work experience
• Use their skills, networks and experience to connect young people with the world of work
• Help more young people build confidence, raise aspirations and see new possibilities for their future

Learn more about becoming an Enterprise Adviser

If you’re interested in becoming an Enterprise Adviser, or just want to find out more, fill out this expression of interest form and one of our Bucks Skills Hub team will be in touch.

The Bucks Skills Hub team will support you every step of the way on the journey.

Further inspiration

Read our Enterprise Adviser Network article for more information, inspiration and reasons why you should consider becoming an Enterprise Adviser.

Hear from one Enterprise Adviser, Klaus Allion of ANT Telecom, who shares his positive experience of giving back and engaging with a local school.

There are many more ways (and reasons) to support young people

Advertise your opportunities on the Bucks Skills Hub website

If you are interested in offering work experience, internships, apprenticeships, T-Levels, or engagement through schools - get listed on the Employer Spotlight database.

It's a win-win

Employers that engage with education providers and young people are helping to secure their own future talent pipeline, with work experience and education outreach helping ensure students develop work-readiness skills. The knock-on effects of reduced recruitment and training costs will also be felt over time.

Outreach activity also counts towards Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) goal, which can increasingly be a difference-maker when it comes to recruitment and bidding for contracts.

Employer Standards

The Careers and Enterprise Company's (CEC) Employer Standards provide a clear framework for businesses of all sizes to maximise the impact of their engagement with young people.

The initiative aims to inspire young people and prepare them for successful careers, with employers encouraged to use an online self-assessment tool that allows them to:

• Assess their current activities
• Benchmark against sector and national averages
• Track progress over time
• Improve their outreach efforts

Learn more about Employer Standards here >

Learn more about Volunteers' Week here, and get involved on social media with #VolunteersWeek and tag in Buckinghamshire Business First.