Almost 1 million young people aged 16–24 are now not in education, employment, or training (NEET) – the highest number since 2014 according to the Careers Education in England, 2024/25 report. Without employers stepping in, Greater Lincolnshire risks losing its future workforce.
Experiences of the Workplace aren’t limited to traditional work experience placements. They can also include give-an-hour sessions, virtual or assembly talks, and school group visits. This type of career education exposes students to new career paths and gives them a clear vision of what life could look like beyond school. But what happens if employers step back from engaging with young people?
Fewer young people would be prepared for work
Students spend most of their early lives in school, often until at least age 18. Without high-quality careers education, they leave with limited confidence and little understanding of how to transition into the workplace. This can create long-term effects on local talent pools.Experiences of the Workplace help students build essential skills such as problem-solving, creativity, and overall confidence.
Employers risk losing out on future talent
Failing to support students with careers education could affect the future of your business. Conversely, engaging with schools to prepare future talent can deliver benefits now while serving as a long-term investment in your workforce.
Evidence from the Employer Standards shows that employers who engaged strategically in careers education reported clear business benefits. In fact, employers who offered work experience were 77% more likely to report business benefits than those who offered none.
Skills gaps would grow across Greater Lincolnshire’s key industries
In addition to organisational benefits like boosting employee morale, improving your reputation in the community, and bringing fresh ideas and perspectives, participating in Experiences of the Workplace also supports recruitment across your sector.
The Future Skills Questionnaire data on student sector interest shows close alignment with the Industrial Strategy (IS-8) sectors by Year 11. The most popular sectors among students were Creative Industries (20% of students interested), Health (16%), Engineering (16%), Construction (11%), and Digital (9%). Overall, STEM entries have risen more than 21% since 2017.
Everyone loses when employers don’t engage
Without the involvement of employers across Greater Lincolnshire, young people may have fewer opportunities to build the skills and insights they need, and local businesses may feel the impact on their talent pipeline over time.
That’s why many employers are making careers education part of their wider strategy, supporting future growth while strengthening communities.
Are you ready to explore how your business could get involved? This initiative is shaped around local industries and workforce needs, making it practical and accessible for small and medium-sized businesses across the region.
To learn more, email the Greater Lincolnshire Careers Hub: GLCareersHub@lincolnshire.gov.uk