Plymouth school leavers fear settling for second best jobs

Young people in Plymouth due to pick up their GCSE and A-Level results fear too much competition, not having enough confidence and a lack of experience and training will stop them from getting their dream job, new research by the British Army – the UK’s largest apprenticeship provider – has revealed1.

People aged between 16 and 24 are currently three times more likely to be unemployed than the rest of the population2 – the largest gap in more than 20 years – and more than one in three surveyed in Plymouth fear they will have to settle for second best in their future careers. Over 90 per cent of youngsters in Plymouth say they are not confident they will ever secure their dream job.

When asked what their dream job would be, young people today are far more interested in helping people and doing good for society (20 per cent) and having a job they are proud of (53 per cent).

The research is part of a new Regular Army recruitment campaign to highlight how young people do not need to settle for second best, but can be the best by joining now.

A new Army careers advice hotline for Plymouth school leavers has opened today for anyone who wants to find out about the challenge and adventure, competitive pay, plenty of travel, a range of roles and valuable skills on offer in the Army.

Basic salaries for regular soldiers start at £18,125, rising to £27,324 within five years. Soldiers also get subsidised food and accommodation, free access to world class sports facilities, free dental and medical cover, and six weeks paid leave and could even get paid to earn a degree while training.

Private Graham Walker, 22, Royal Logistics Corps, said: “When I left school I didn’t think I’d be able to get a job which ticks so many boxes.

“I’ve been paid to get my apprenticeship, and I’ve become a lot more confident and my physical fitness has improved enormously since I joined the Army.

“The Army gives you the opportunity to travel the world and meet some amazing people. I’ve learnt a lot of skills, been able to represent my Corps at cricket, scuba dived and done things I’d never have had the chance to do otherwise if I was stuck in an office or struggling to fund an apprenticeship.”

Director General, army recruiting and training division, Major General Chris Tickell said: “We know from this research that young people in Plymouth today are not optimistic about their future careers, and worry that they won’t be able to find a job that offers them everything they want – whether it’s working to help society or getting to travel the world.

“The Army offers all these opportunities, whether you want to begin your career, use and improve your existing workplace skills, or try your hand at something completely different. The Army isn’t just a job, it is a way of life, and you have the ability to build your confidence, develop your leadership skills and form relationships that are stronger than you will ever find elsewhere. Anyone interested in finding out more should call our new hotline, join one of our online clinics or visit your local careers centre today.”

The careers hotline will be open until August 28, and is available for people of all abilities and backgrounds, regardless of their exam results, to find out more about what a career in the Army could offer them. Senior careers advisors will also be hosting online careers clinics on the Army Jobs Facebook, @ArmyJobs on Twitter and on the Student Room on GCSE and A-Level results days, as well as clinics at Army Careers Centres up and down the country.

For more information about the exciting full-time job opportunities with the Army, call the career hotline on 0306 7704777, visit your local careers centre, visit www.army.mod.uk/jobs or search ‘Army Jobs’.