A former government minister has called for significant changes to how UK schools prepare young people for employment, arguing that career awareness should begin as early as primary school. Alan Milburn, who authored a major new report on youth activity, stated that children as young as four ought to be introduced to different professions, while work experience placements must become compulsory for students aged 14 to 16.
The recommendations come against a stark backdrop of recent Office for National Statistics data revealing that 981,000 individuals aged 16 to 24 in the UK were classified as not in education, employment, or training (NEET) between April and June 2026. Milburn emphasized that for many young people, the trajectory toward becoming NEET begins well before their 16th birthday, despite existing efforts to promote apprenticeships in the later years of secondary school.
In an interview with the BBC, Milburn argued that the primary years are crucial for “opening their eyes and giving them a sense about what is possible.” He suggested that employers could play a direct role by visiting schools to give talks and offering taster sessions. For older pupils in Key Stage 4, he insisted that workplace experience must be mandatory and include feedback from employers, noting that currently, approximately 40% of 14- to 16-year-olds receive no work experience at all.
Milburn highlighted a disparity in access, pointing out that some schools leave students to find their own placements, a process that often depends on parental networks. The final findings of his government-commissioned review are expected to be released this autumn. While the review covers all four nations, its educational recommendations apply specifically to England, where careers guidance is already required for ages 11-18 but work experience is not statutory.
Teaching unions have acknowledged the value of early career exposure but raised concerns about the impact on already strained primary schools. Paul Whiteman, general secretary of the National Association of Head Teachers, warned of the “significant pressure” schools face and noted that new mandatory requirements could displace other essential activities. However, he praised existing initiatives like Primary Futures, which connects volunteers from various professions with classrooms.
Pepe Di’Iasio, leader of the Association of School and College Leaders, agreed that bringing professionals into the classroom can significantly boost student motivation and passion, though he acknowledged that arranging such visits can be more difficult in rural areas. Meanwhile, public opinion remains divided; some parents argue that primary school is too early for career-focused discussions, while others believe early introduction is beneficial.
Does anyone else find the idea of four-year-olds discussing careers deeply unsettling? Let them be children first.
Finally, someone addressing the NEET crisis before it becomes unfixable. Waiting until age sixteen is simply too late.
Teaching unions have a point though. Our primary schools are already drowning in pressure and staff shortages.
Mandatory work experience is long overdue. The current system leaves kids to chance rather than providing real opportunities.
Is four really too young? My son still thinks a firefighter just puts out fires, not does paperwork.