Permanent jobs for young non-graduates in England drop to 50%
DFace News
A major new study tracking over 4,000 young people in England has found a sharp decline in stable employment for those who do not go to university. Among 19- and 20-year-olds who entered the workforce without higher education, only half now have a permanent contract, down from 81% just six years earlier. The research, led by Professor Sharon Gewirtz at King's College London, followed participants from ages 15-16 through 19-20 between 2021 and 2025.
The findings show that just 16% of non-graduates secured apprenticeships and only 23% had stable work by their late teens. Temporary and casual jobs offered lower pay, weaker workplace relationships, and fewer mentoring opportunities compared to apprenticeships or permanent roles. The number of young people not in education, employment, or training (NEET) more than doubled from ages 17-18 to 19-20, reaching 10%, and over 40% of those who were NEET at 17-18 remained so two years later. Still, about 70% of NEET respondents were actively seeking work, education, or doing unpaid care and volunteering.
The study also reveals stark inequalities: young people from Asian and Black backgrounds apply for apprenticeships at the same rate as white peers but are about 15 and 12 percentage points less likely to get a place, respectively. Black young people not in education are roughly 24 percentage points less likely than white peers to be in stable employment. The researchers argue the system is failing many young people and call for more apprenticeships, fairer recruitment, and stronger protections at work, especially ahead of an upcoming independent review on NEET status.
💬 Our take: This study highlights challenges in early-career job security and raises questions about how to better support young people entering the workforce.
👇 What do you think is the most important change needed to help young people find stable work?
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