This week is Youth Employment Week and a chance to celebrate young people and those who support them. It is also a time to think about the opportunities and barriers, that exist for young people entering the workplace in 2025.
This year, each day of Youth Employment Week considers a different theme, and we’ve shared our perspective on how each theme can link into the work that GFIE delivers.
Monday 7th - Opportunity for All
We all have a responsibility to support the next generation of talent by making sure young people have access to inclusive and accessible opportunities.
The start of a career in the Civil Service can take many forms, whether that’s going straight to applying for a role through Civil Service Jobs, or tapping into the many different types of entry pathways such as Apprenticeships, the Fast Stream or Internship schemes.
The GFIE pathways offer opportunities to young people who may face additional barriers to employment, such as having had contact with the Criminal Justice System or providing care to someone as a Young Adult Carer. People can sometimes feel as though these experiences might hold them back, but we are there to show them that barriers to opportunity can be overcome.
Tuesday 8th - Lifelong Learning
Taking up an opportunity through a GFIE Life Chances scheme isn’t just about the role itself - there are a wealth of learning and development opportunities, both within Departments and across the Civil Service.
The Civil Service Learning platform gives every civil servant access to a range of courses and training modules, whether that’s looking to develop understanding of project delivery, or thinking about how to build effective teams.
Learning doesn’t just have to involve formal training either - there are likely to be opportunities to get involved with different activities within a team or Department. Our aim is for every young person joining the Civil Service to build skills that they will take with them into their future career.
Wednesday 9th - Discover Careers
Being at the start of your career can be daunting - you are faced with lots of different pathways, professions and workplaces, so making the decision on what to do next can feel difficult or confusing.
The Civil Service Careers website brings all information together in one place, helping young people to navigate the opportunities that might be available to them, as well as giving them more information about professions they might choose to explore.
Thursday 10th - Here to Help
The Youth Voice Census 2024 results show that only 36% of young people in secondary school think they understand the skills that employers are looking for. This means bridging this gap to help young people to understand the skills that are needed to succeed in an industry are important.
The Civil Service offers a rolling programme of outreach, with Social Mobility Ambassadors regularly going into secondary schools and colleges to talk about the work that different Departments do and to practice interview skills with students.
The GFIE team are also often out and about talking to people at different outreach events, taking time to answer questions and help people from different communities to understand the skills and potential that they might not see in themselves.
This isn’t just important during application stages - having a good support network for young people already in roles within the organisation is crucial.
The GFIE team manages a buddy system for anyone joining the Civil Service through one of their pathways, matching new starters to a civil servant in another Government Department who is there to act as a listening ear and help coach young people through different workplace scenarios.
Friday 11th - Celebrating Success
Finally, Youth Employment Week is all about celebrating young people in employment, and that means hearing from those who have taken up opportunities and succeeded in fulfilling their potential. As part of the GFIE Carers Pathway, we work with Carers Trust to share opportunities with Young Adult Carers.
Below, we hear from a Young Adult Carer who has taken her first steps into a career with the Civil Service:
I have been working in the Civil Service for the past year, and it has been a significant stepping stone in my professional journey. This opportunity has allowed me to grow both personally and professionally, building a solid foundation of skills and confidence that I will carry with me throughout my career.
During my time in this role, I have developed a range of valuable skills. I have gained greater confidence in communicating with others, from day-to-day conversations to participating in and contributing to meetings. I have also taken on responsibilities such as minute-taking and coordinating meetings, which have strengthened my organisational and administrative abilities.
I am extremely grateful to Carers Trust for providing me with this opportunity. It has not only boosted my self-esteem but also affirmed that it is entirely possible to be both a carer and a professional. This experience has shown me that I can thrive in a workplace where I am respected and not judged, and that I have the potential to pursue a meaningful and successful career.
GFiE Life Chance Recruitment
The Civil Service has 20 Going Forward into Employment (GFiE) Life Chance Pathways across Government, using innovative approaches to recruitment and providing Individuals from a wide range of backgrounds, and who face barriers to employment, with opportunities and experience. You can find out more about GFiE at our Civil Service Careers Page www.civil-service-careers.gov.uk/about-gfie/
If you would like to discuss providing life changing opportunities for live vacancies, or vacancies you have coming up in the future, please get in contact with us at GFiE@cabinetoffice.gov.uk
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