Empowering young adults: strategies for supporting entry into the workforce

In line with World Youth Skills Day on July 15th, we’re looking at how employers can support young adults entering the workforce. From apprenticeships to mentorship programs, there are lots of ways to make a significant impact. Let's look at some insights and strategies that can help empower our youth and smooth their transition into the working world.

The challenge: bridging the experience gap

One of the biggest challenges facing young people today is the catch-22 of needing experience to get a job, but needing a job to gain experience. Many leave school or university with qualifications but little to no hands-on exposure to the working world. And that lack of real-world experience can make the transition into the workforce feel overwhelming and out of reach.

As Alex Her, Global Employer Storyteller, points out: "Without this, we're setting our youth up for failure, as they finish university with a degree that they really can't put to use."

This is exactly where employers can step in and make a meaningful impact. By partnering with placement services, apprenticeship providers and universities, companies can help bridge the gap, offering young adults the practical experience they need to build confidence, grow their skills and start their careers on the right foot.

The power of mentorship and internships

Mentorship programs and internships are often underrated, yet they hold the potential to be game-changers for young adults. These opportunities provide invaluable hands-on experience, guidance, and industry connections that can boost their career prospects. By participating in such programs, young adults can gain practical skills, receive personalised advice from experienced professionals, and build a network that supports their professional growth.

Alex shares his personal experience with mentorship and internships 

“I think mentorship programs and internship/externship programs are a must and really underrated. Speaking on a personal level, I was able to get to where I'm at now by having internship opportunities, and a mentor. The internships gave me real-life experience that the university couldn't and having a mentor helped me make smarter decisions with what I wanted to do with my career.”

These programs are a bridge between academic learning and real-world application, helping young adults navigate the new world of career development.

Empowering growth: Vuyiswa Gaba's journey from intern to finance business partner

Vuyiswa Gaba's journey at Maersk began as a finance intern, a role that eventually led to a permanent position. Over the course of three years, she has undergone rotations and portfolio changes that has provided her with exposure to diverse aspects of the business. This experience has equipped her with a versatile skill set as she continues to learn and grow within the finance space.

As one of the younger members of the Strategies for Success cohort, Vuyiswa found herself among a group of enterprising women from Maersk. However, she quickly discovered a common thread of vulnerability and growth.

"For the longest time I always thought adults are not afraid of anything. But when I saw that seemingly older woman shared the same apprehensions about their career and work, I felt a sense of safety and comfort knowing that I’m not alone."

Vuyiswa Gaba, Finance Business Partner

Creating opportunities 

Every opportunity  can make a big difference when it comes to helping young adults in the workplace. Louise O'Brien, HR Advisor at Vodafone shares more about their TY Engage Programme, designed to empower young adults.

The TY Engage Programme 

TY Engage brings students from 14-17 years old into our offices to explore areas such as technology, business, data, finance, charity and much, much more. Over 100 students have now taken part. 

To ensure that the students get insight into multiple business functions, it’s divided into core themes:  

• Storytelling Day. Learning the Vodafone brand story through guest presentations and interactive experiences with employees from Marketing, Social Media, Employer Brand, Public Relations and Advertising. We also learn about our amazing sponsorship with the Irish Rugby Team!  
• Tech Tuesday. Launch into the world of tech through Data, Digital Engineering, Digital Design, an AI masterclass and The Digital Ninjas!  
• Business Beginnings. Let's get down to business! Through cyber security, finance product development, a CV and Interview Skills workshop, and commercial operations, learn what awaits you in the world of business. 
• Customer-Focus Day. Hosted in our flagship store on Henry Street, this day introduces students to the exciting world of retail, VodaPros, BIRs, and Hi-Digital. It even included time on the shop floor assisting customers with basic queries. 
• Foundation Friday. On this final day, students learn about our charity partners such as ALONE and the ISPCC. They also take part in a workshop for our Tozi app, an internet safety app for young people. Their great ideas have already contributed to the app's new design and key features! The day concludes with presentations from the students and a certificate ceremony.   

The students also complete a project entitled 'TOBi's Den'. In a similar vein to Dragon's Den, they pitch an idea that centres around one of our Purpose Pillars, Digital Society, Inclusion for All, or Planet, which they’ve been educated on during the week. It affords them the chance to absorb the information they’ve been getting, research ideas, practise teamwork skills, and present in front of an audience. The winning team receives Sony headphones!  

The power of apprenticeships in shaping early careers

Apprenticeships are such an important part of shaping the future workforce. They give people the chance to learn on the job, earn a salary, and build real-world experience—all at the same time. For many, they offer a more accessible and inclusive route into a career than going down the traditional university path. And from an employer's perspective, apprenticeships are a brilliant way to bring in fresh talent, close skills gaps, and build a more diverse team from the ground up.

Holly Cann, a Level 6 Project Management Apprentice at Vodafone, talks about her experience and the difference it’s made.

"I joined the Vodafone apprenticeship programme straight after finishing my A levels. I had originally planned to study business at university, but when I discovered the option of earning my degree alongside real workplace experience, an apprenticeship was the obvious choice. I chose project management because it offered a wide range of skills and experience.

I have met so many people at Vodafone who have helped me to overcome a challenge, develop a new skill, teach me about a career path, or just be there to listen when times are tough. The culture is my favourite part of the company. Everyone I come across from apprentices, to graduates, to people who have been in the business for 30+ years, loves to share their knowledge and experiences to help others. There is also great diversity at Vodafone and I have learnt so much from talking to people from lots of different backgrounds who can offer unique perspectives.

I also recently became the co-chair of the Vodafone group youth committee. That’s been a great experience for me, and is helping me to gain a lot of new skills in things like public speaking and event planning."

How can you measure success?

Investing in early careers isn’t just about offering opportunities. It’s also about understanding the long-term value they bring to both individuals and organisations. But measuring the impact of these initiatives can be tricky, especially when the outcomes aren't immediate. Unlike more experienced hires, young adults are often at the very start of their professional journey, which means their growth and contributions may take time to fully surface.

That’s why it’s important for companies to adopt a long-term mindset. As Alex Her, Global Employer Storyteller, explains:

"I think companies need to play the long game when it comes to measuring the effectiveness of initiatives around young adults. It's a much different approach than working with individuals who have been in their field for many years. I think companies should look at the type of work that they can provide young adults, effectiveness of each completed project, and overall ROI behind the program. If done correctly, there are a lot of savings that can be had that in turn help the young adult truly develop with real life skills to use."

Ultimately, success isn’t just about immediate results. It’s about the long-term growth of future talent and the value they’ll bring over time.

Collaboration is key

Companies don’t have to tackle these challenges on their own. By working together, companies can leverage community resources, access government support programs, and create more impactful initiatives that benefit both the organisation and the community. These partnerships can lead to tailored training programs, apprenticeship opportunities, and other collaborative efforts that support young adults in gaining the skills and experience needed to succeed in the workforce.

Supporting young adults is good for everyone

Supporting young adults in their journey into the workforce isn't just good for them—it's good for business and society as a whole. By providing opportunities for real-world experience, mentorship, and skill development, we can help shape a more prepared and confident workforce for the future.

So, what steps will you take to support young adults in your industry? Whether it's offering internships, partnering with educational institutions, or simply providing a day of work shadowing, every effort counts. Let's work together to empower the next generation of professionals!