The Youth Commission was established by the Edge Learner Forum with the support of Edge at the start of 2009. The aim was to create a tool through which young people as leaders would have their say on some of the most important issues facing them relating to employment, education, and skills. These views will then be taken directly to Government, business and others, working together to make the changes that young people are calling for.

The report, supported by the Children, Schools and Families Select Committee, reveals the concerns young people have over finding a job. Two thirds (64 per cent) of young people believe that the recession will have a long-term effect on their employability. 58 per cent believe that radical changes need to be made to the education system to improve their employability.

The research, carried out in conjunction with teen community, Habbo Hotel, shows remarkable agreement about the changes that need to be introduced to the current education system to improve their employability with employment skills, careers advice and work experience identified as key. Key recommendations of the report are:

1) Make sure careers advice works for everyone, especially those who are unsure about the future.

2) Deliver better work experience and provide everyone with many more opportunities to take it.

3) Change young people’s perception that university is the only route to success. Champion vocational and applied routes so young people are aware they can be just as successful through them.

4) Give much more prominence to employability earlier in education.

5) Bring young people and employers together on a regular basis so they know what to expect from each other.