Future Pathways · Youth Skills & Aspirations

What young people really think about their future

Insights from 72 young people across schools, colleges and universities — exploring confidence, challenges, and what skills they need to thrive.

72
Respondents
74%
Aged 16–18
74%
Interested in new programme
46%
Feel unsure about future

Confidence & Demographics

Future aspirations — how they feel
Unsure 46%, Confident 39%, Very confident 11%, Very unsure 3%.
Unsure
33
Confident
28
Very confident
8
Very unsure
2
Age group breakdown
16–18: 54 respondents, 19–24: 12, 12–15: 6.
Where they study
School: 39, College: 21, University: 9.

Barriers & Skills Gaps

Top challenges faced
Skills they wish were taught more

Enablers & Opportunities

Positive factors for the future
Preferred ways to learn
Missing opportunities locally

Programme Interest & Engagement

Interest in a new skills programme
Interested: 53, Neutral: 17, Not interested: 2.
Confidence vs challenges — composite overview
Radar showing key dimensions of youth readiness.

Key Insights

📊
Financial literacy is the #1 skills gap
71% of respondents want budgeting and money management taught in school — more than any other skill, including CV writing and interview prep.
🏙️
Local opportunity deserts are real
56% cite lack of opportunities locally as a major barrier. Free or low-cost training is the most requested intervention across all age groups.
💬
Hands-on learning wins every time
65% prefer in-person workshops and practical experience over online content. Young people want real-world exposure, not passive consumption.
🚀
Motivation is the biggest asset
67% credit their own motivation as the primary positive factor — suggesting programmes should channel existing drive rather than create it from scratch.
🧠
Confidence crisis is widespread
53% cite confidence and motivation as their top challenge. This is consistent across all age groups and study environments, pointing to a systemic gap.
Strong appetite for a new programme
74% said they'd be interested in a new real-life skills programme. Only 3% said they would not be interested — a clear mandate for action.

In their own words

"I feel like there's a lot of pressure but not enough support or information about what to actually do next."
Respondent · Age 16–18 · School
"Money is always a barrier. I'd love to explore more but transport and costs hold me back every time."
Respondent · Age 16–18 · College
"Nobody teaches you how to actually manage money or write a CV until you desperately need to know it."
Respondent · Age 19–24 · University
"I'm motivated but I just don't know where to start or who to talk to about my options."
Respondent · Age 16–18 · School