Viana Maya FRSA’s Post

There are 100,000+ First Nations students in Secondary School right now. Yet a significant proportion of First Nations youth are unable to access higher education, making it imperative for employers to rethink their diversity strategies. However, within these challenges lie significant opportunities for creating win-win outcomes. Employers who adopt these strategies stand to benefit immensely. We dive into these opportunities and how you can build strategies around them in our latest State of the Market report, "Bridging the Gap: Leveraging Entry-Level Talent and Boosting First Nations Representation in Australia's Workforce." Download it now: https://lnkd.in/eZzFt6Ph

#Demographicdividend – a phrase that directs attention to the population dynamics across the #GlobalSouth, and along with it, the unique challenges that #labourmarkets in these countries face. In June 2024, #KPMG International hosted a roundtable discussion to explore the existing #policy mechanisms and potential policy #opportunities in the Global South for effective labour market participation of #youth. Discussants including Sabina Dewan, Troopti Desai, Susan Himmelweit, Neal Lawson, Chris Morgan, Saon Ray and Grant Wardell-Johnson highlighted that: 🌟 Youth population in the Global South must be correctly skilled for the #futureofwork. 🌟 Approaches such as expanding #apprenticeship schemes, improving access to #digital tools, and making policies inclusive of #informaleconomy can help make skilling initiatives more effective. 🌟 Structuring policies and regulations around #virtual #immigration and shifting #taxbase away from #labourtaxes can support job creation policies. 🌟 Improvement in public sector #infrastructure and #educational systems is critical to improve #access to job opportunities. To read the detailed report of the discussion, authored by Rebecca Cagigao, visit this page. https://lnkd.in/gVzfPdjA For more insight into how apprenticeships can improve #employability outcomes for #India’s labour market, read #JJN’s report: Reimagining Employability for the 21st Century. https://lnkd.in/gfr8_dWN

"What's the best way to learn more about the #workforcedevelopment space?" That's a question I often get when talking to talent, employers, and funders. In the US, other than the must-do default of signing up for Paul Fain's The Job newsletter, I often point to a few anchor thought leadership assets that can give you a macro view of what's going on. --------------- Today, I want to highlight one that came out in 2024: State #Opportunity Index by Strada Education Foundation: https://lnkd.in/gdXk2e7A I find it unique and valuable because a) it focuses at the state level (that's where the analysis of this problem in the US is most meaningful), b) it is nuanced (it goes beyond the platitudes of we need to give more people #skills), c) it defines a bar to rise up to (it avoids the trap of giving everyone a participation award), and d) it provides a blueprint for progress (here is what your state can focus on doing better) --------------- A few highlights: 5️⃣ It assesses each on 5 priority areas: Clear Outcomes, Quality Coaching, Affordability, Work-based Learning, and Employer Alignment 💲 It zooms into one key metric: % of graduates with a positive ROI - with an important and demanding question of: how likely are you to make more money after paying for your degree within 10 years? #️⃣ Only a few states have enhanced their wage records to produce insights on the occupational outcomes of post-high school education programs --> we are basically running blind on the data that matters most 👂 ~20-25% of graduates experienced #career #guidance and #coaching --> "No one should have to map a career path and navigate challenges alone" 🏢 0(!), that's right, 0/50 states met the criteria for Leading when it came to #Employer Alignment ---------------------- 3️⃣ Areas that I hope future iterations of the Index dive deeper into: 1) Inclusion of pathways beyond formal higher education in the analysis (the system is in desperate need of data here) 2) Open sourcing the data underlying the index (just as it encourages states to do with their own data as it would spur significant innovation) 3) Exploration of how #technology and #AI could meaningfully help accelerate states' trajectories across all 5 areas The quality of the output is reflective of advisors involved: Rob Anderson Earl Buford Ryan Craig Emily M. Dickens Kysha Wright Frazier Cheryl Oldham Tom Brock Michael Collins Wil Del Pilar Ted Mitchell Scott Waller Eric Bettinger Pascale Charlot Heather McKay Matt Sigelman V. Scott H. Solberg Mamie Voight Isabel Cardenas-Navia Matthew Hora Timothy M. Renick David Troutman Christina Whitfield Kudos to the Strada team on both vision and execution: Jonathan Furr Stephen Moret Ruth Watkins Michele Chang Beth Cobert Heather McKay #futureofwork #workforcedevelopment #skills #data #AI

Youth and Politics: Building a Better Future for Our Nation As we look ahead, it’s increasingly clear that youth policies are critical to fostering a prosperous and sustainable future. Key areas like education, youth employment, and political integration play a vital role in empowering young people to take active roles in shaping the world they will inherit. Education is the cornerstone of a skilled, informed generation. By providing equal access to quality education, we lay the groundwork for success, innovation, and the development of future leaders. Youth employment is another crucial pillar. Creating clear pathways for young people to join the workforce, gain experience, and contribute to the economy is essential. By focusing on job creation and internships, we can equip a new generation of professionals with the tools they need to address the challenges of tomorrow. In addition, youth political engagement is key. Integrating young people into the political process ensures that their voices are heard and that they are included in decision-making and leadership. It is crucial to empower them to shape policies that reflect their needs and aspirations, preparing them to become the leaders of tomorrow. Having worked as a parliamentary assistant, I’ve witnessed firsthand how critical youth policies are in shaping the future of our nation. Being involved in the legislative process, I’ve seen the importance of involving young people in decision-making and political discussions. This experience reinforces the need for policies that prioritize the education, employment, and political integration of youth, ensuring that they are equipped to become the leaders and change-makers of tomorrow. Investing in youth today is an investment in the future of our country. Together, we must advocate for policies that empower young people to create a brighter tomorrow. #YouthEmpowerment #YouthPolicies #EducationForAll #YouthEmployment #YouthEngagement #PoliticalParticipation #FutureLeaders #JobCreation #YouthInPolitics #SustainableFuture #Leadership #YouthVoice #Innovation #NextGeneration

Let’s talk about youth unemployment. According to the West Midlands Combined Authority it is a growing challenge with around 1 in 7 young adults not in education or work, factors which can have a long-term impact on their employment and earnings. There is evidence to suggest it can also negatively impact not only their mental health but their physical health as well. In a report by The Prince's Trust with research from LADbible Group, “More than a third of young people polled… said money, lack of self-confidence, lack of experience, and the increased cost of living were barriers to achieving career goals.” Today at the Regional Cornerstone Employers Group meeting we talked about engaging employers to offer more opportunities to young people, particularly SMEs. There are talent shortages across the region and so many ways that employers can support young people into work. The week-long work experience model often doesn’t work and isn’t viable in a hybrid environment but would you consider: 💡 Offering “experiences of work” (i.e. short insight events or lunch and learn sessions) 💡 What about inviting teachers into your business and talking to them so they better understand the needs of your sector/industry? 💡Having a visible presence in schools/colleges/academies and a relationship with their career leads or leadership teams 💡 Engaging with your local careers hub - information can be found here https://lnkd.in/emW5Kx85 💡 Exploring whether apprenticeships might benefit your business 💡 Encouraging people outside of your organisation’s HR team to get involved in initiatives - it’s not all on them 💡 Working with peer organisations, suppliers and clients to look for opportunities to collaborate Brilliant to see Vikki Haines, Angela Moore and Jessica Murray. Thank you to Dan Heffernan for bringing so much energy and fresh insight. 🙌 Birmingham, you’ve been terrific. 🐂 #Careers #YouthUnemployment #Birmingham #BlackCountry #HR #CareersEducation The Careers & Enterprise Company Higgs LLP [📸 Image of me giving Ozzy the Bull at New Street station a big thumbs up.]

What are career opportunities really like for a young person in the UK today? That's the question we explored in our latest Youth Employment Index. The UK is positioned at 22nd out of 38 OECD economies, with The Netherlands, Switzerland, and Iceland leading the way. Our research reveals regional disparities across the UK; the South West performed best with the lowest rates of young people that are not in education, employment, or training, with the North East and Scotland having the highest rates. Take a look at the index to see the areas of opportunities and potential growth: https://lnkd.in/e6pmXFpG #YouthEmployment #EconomicGrowth #GreenJobs #PwCResearch

Despite the well-meaning intentions, employers continue to invest in First Nations University Graduate recruitment, competing for a talent pool of only ~2,100 graduates, failing to reach D&I goals year-on-year. This is compared to 20,000+ high school graduates in the pipeline each year. Socio-economic, geographic, community, familial, health, and social factors place higher pressure on First Nations youth to prioritise earning over learning. Yet research shows that recruitment bias places higher expectation of First Nations youth to have educational attainment to achieve employment success (vs. non-Indigenous applicants). Australian employers need to reset expectations with regards to the educational attainment, check for potential unconscious bias in recruitment, and invest in entry-level employment opportunities targeting Secondary School graduates. Get data-driven insights into how you can effectively tap First Nations youth talent in "Bridging the Gap: Leveraging Entry-Level Talent and Boosting First Nations Representation in Australia's Workforce." Download your copy here: https://lnkd.in/eZzFt6Ph

𝗗𝗶𝗱 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗸𝗻𝗼𝘄 𝗶𝘁 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗻𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗹𝘆 𝗳𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗿𝗲𝗻 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗹𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿 𝘀𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗼𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗰 𝗯𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗮𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗶𝗿 𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗿𝘆? Many young people across the UK will receive their A-Level results today. It’s a notable reminder of the role that education can play in shaping a person’s future. For many, this day brings immense pressure – pressure to meet expectations, to secure a place at university, and to lay the groundwork for a successful career. But it’s important not to forget that education can be just one piece of the bigger puzzle. The pathway from education to employment is not always straightforward, especially for those from less advantaged backgrounds. Systemic barriers such as limited access to networks, financial constraints, and a lack of role models in their desired fields can make this journey particularly challenging. These obstacles often mean that talent and potential can go unrecognised, simply because the playing field isn’t level. That’s why we need to challenge the status quo. Employers should look beyond traditional markers of achievement and recognise the potential in candidates. The skills, creativity, and resilience that young people develop outside of the classroom are just as valuable as what is learned within it. At PageGroup, we are dedicated to fostering an inclusive workforce where everyone has the chance to succeed. We continue to partner with organisations and initiatives that promote social mobility, ensuring that doors are opened for those who need it most. To all those receiving results today, good luck, and remember: it’s okay not to have everything figured out. You don’t need to know exactly what you want to do or who you want to be right now. Your future is not defined by a piece of paper. It’s shaped by your ambition, your perseverance, and the opportunities you seize. #SocialMobility #PageGroup #Inclusion #Opportunity

💡 Great reminder that careers are often not linear & opportunities not equal. I can speak from my own experience: 👩🎓 I am the first and only person in my family to go to University 💸 My initial plan was to go into Development Aid or Foreign Affairs. However, confronted with many entry barriers (e.g. many years of unpaid internships - which were not financially feasible for me nor my family), I found my way into Recruitment "by chance" - (Lucky me! 🍀) 🦄 My career at PageGroup kicked off and I was very lucky to find a company which offered fantastic opportunities for growth - no matter what your background or initial situation looks like. I therefore encourage my clients to look beyond the "picture perfect CV" and appreciate the story of the individual & the fact that careers can be meandering journeys. #SocialMobility #Opportunity #Inclusion #PageExecutive

Last year, the Youth Employment Group, co-chaired by Impetus, published the Young Person’s Guarantee, proposing a transformational offer for young people. This paper emerged from a broad series of conversations, discussions, and consultative sessions and is shaped by a range of experts, organisations, and perspectives. Since then, we’ve worked closely with the Government to shape a new Youth Guarantee and ensure that it mirrors the Young Person’s Guarantee. Today, the Government released its Get Britain Working White Paper, detailing that every 18-to-21-year old in England will have access to an apprenticeship, quality training and education opportunities or help to find a job under a new ‘Youth Guarantee’. Eight youth “trailblazer” areas will be set up across the country, with £45 million funding to identify those most at risk of falling out of education or employment and match them to opportunities for education, training or work, so that no young person is left behind.  For the policies detailed in today’s white paper to be successful and to reach the Government’s 80% employment goal, young people furthest from the labour market must be at the centre of implementation.  Find out more: https://lnkd.in/ezhvi8Qh