Lynn Bassett, HR director at Barbour, emphasizes the importance of workers who can build positive relationships within a team. The ability to communicate, collaborate, and solve problems are among the skills that employers are seeking in potential hires. A five-year study by the National Foundation for Educational Research (NFER) identified six key transferable skills that will be as important as qualifications in securing and maintaining employment in the coming decade.
NFER research published last year suggests that finding a job may become more challenging as AI and automation could lead to the loss of up to three million low- to mid-level jobs by 2035. With over one million young people not in education, employment, or training—the highest level in over a decade—businesses have been consulted on how candidates can demonstrate the key skills employers desire.
Christian Townsley, co-founder of the North Bar group, highlights the necessity of maintaining composure during trial shifts. He notes that the ability to prioritize tasks is essential, especially for those transitioning from education to the workforce. Townsley states, "It's important that you can organize, you can multitask, you can identify who's next at the bar and remember that."
Trial shifts are offered to allow job seekers to showcase their skills in real-time. Townsley observes candidates as they interact with customers and collaborate with team members. As employees advance, they are expected to manage increased responsibilities, which include organization, ordering, pricing, marketing, and recruitment.
Many employers seek candidates who can respond to issues as they arise and take decisive action. Maria Aderonmu, who transitioned from a political science degree to a role at Morgan Sindall Infrastructure, emphasizes the importance of adaptability in her current position in strategy. She reflects on how her experience in the university debating society prepared her for quick thinking in professional settings.
India Chaplin, people director at Morgan Sindall, advises that young people should consider how their problem-solving experiences outside of work can apply to a professional environment. She states, "There's lots of different ways that people can show the softer skills that we're looking for and how they would approach a problem."
General manager Jake Readman from North Bar stresses the importance of developing communication skills in a busy bar environment, including the ability to de-escalate conflicts. He encourages candidates to be confident in their abilities and to demonstrate initiative.
El Cousins, a job seeker, prefers to deliver her CV in person to give employers a sense of her personality, stating, "I think that matters quite a lot and that doesn't always come across on a piece of paper or online." Readman later offers her shifts after being impressed by her approach.
At Barbour's factory in South Shields, Lynn Bassett notes that collaboration is a key attribute they seek in new hires. She explains that they look for candidates who can discuss their experiences of teamwork, even if they lack specific experience for the role.
Addie Pattas, currently on a placement with Barbour, highlights the importance of communication within her role, which involves coordinating with various teams. Bassett mentions that creativity is also valued, and they ask candidates about past experiences where they overcame challenges.
India Chaplin points out that in an AI-driven world, companies require employees who can understand and manage data effectively, applying human judgment to assess its reliability. Jude Hillary, the economist leading the NFER project, asserts that these human skills will be essential for securing higher-skilled jobs in the future.
The interim report from an independent review led by former health secretary Alan Milburn indicates that 42% of employers cite a lack of soft skills or work readiness as a challenge in hiring young people. In response, there is increasing pressure on educational institutions to equip students with the necessary skills for the workforce. Prime Minister Andy Burnham has indicated support for technical education for teenagers and a work experience scheme for 10,000 young people announced by Sainsbury's. The final report of the Milburn review is expected to outline proposals for improving job readiness among young adults in September.