‘First Job. Future Career.’

Retailers are being urged to take a leading role in addressing Britain's youth employment crisis by creating more opportunities for young people to enter the workforce, develop essential skills and build lasting careers.

The call comes from HIT Training, part of The Opportunity Provider (TOP), as it launches its national "First Job. Future Career." campaign into the retail sector. Central to the campaign is Commit to Youth, an initiative encouraging employers to make measurable commitments to creating opportunities for young people, supported by appropriate training and clear pathways for progression.

And it comes at a time when the Government is preparing to publish the next stage of the Alan Milburn Independent Review into Young People and Work, following his interim findings earlier this year

With an estimated 981,000 young people aged 16–24 not in education, employment or training, HIT Training believes retail should be recognised as one of Britain's most important career starter sectors.

For generations, the industry has launched countless careers, providing accessible routes into employment, helping young people develop confidence, communication, teamwork and commercial skills that can underpin their personal development.

Importantly, the campaign also highlights the significant financial incentives available to employers taking on young apprentices.

Under current Government arrangements in England, eligible apprentices aged 16–24 can have 100 per cent of their training and assessment costs funded, up to the relevant funding limit. Employers who do not pay the apprenticeship levy may also qualify for a £2,000 hiring payment for eligible new apprentices in this age group, while additional incentives are available for Foundation Apprenticeships. Employers can also benefit from relief on National Insurance contributions for apprentices under 25, subject to earnings thresholds. There is also a 16-18 bonus of £1,000 for all employers of apprentices aged 16-18.

HIT Training believes greater awareness and take-up of this support could help more businesses overcome some of the financial barriers to investing in the next generation.

"For generations, young people have gained their first experience of the workplace on the shop floor, developing confidence, communication skills, teamwork, problem-solving abilities and a sense of responsibility," said Mike Worley, Managing Director of HIT Training. "These are invaluable, transferable skills that can provide the foundations for an entire working life.

"Of course, many go on to become store managers, regional directors and business leaders within retail itself. Others take those skills into different industries and professions. Both are hugely positive outcomes, and we should celebrate the role retail has played in helping them take that first step.

"With almost a million young people currently outside education, employment or training, we need to recognise the enormous contribution that sectors like retail can make in opening up opportunities.

"But a first chance must also be a good first chance. That means employers thinking carefully about how they recruit young people who may have no previous work experience, whilst providing the right support and training that helps them develop skills and confidence that will serve them throughout their working lives."

The campaign recognises the considerable pressures facing retailers, including challenging trading conditions, rising employment costs and the need to maintain productivity.

It also highlights the important role that apprenticeships can play in helping employers develop both new recruits and existing employees, strengthening workforce capability and creating opportunities for progression. By investing in their existing teams, retailers can also create space for new entrants, helping to build a continuous pipeline of talent.

Through its Commit to Youth initiative, HIT Training is encouraging retailers to make practical commitments to opening up first-career opportunities, supported by fair recruitment practices, appropriate training and development, and access to available Government apprenticeship funding and incentives.

"When an existing employee progresses into a supervisory or management role, that can create an opportunity for someone else to take their first step into employment," he continued.

"We shouldn't be asking retailers to choose between investing in their existing people and supporting the next generation. Both are essential to building a sustainable workforce."

Through Commit to Youth, retailers are encouraged to review recruitment practices, remove unnecessary experience requirements, consider Foundation and entry apprenticeships, provide appropriate workplace support and establish visible career pathways.

HIT Training can work with employers to identify suitable opportunities, support apprentice recruitment and provide specialist training and development.