Alan Milburn, the author of a report on youth activity in the UK, advocates for introducing children to the world of work starting in primary school. He suggests that children as young as four should learn about various careers, and he proposes making work experience placements mandatory for students aged 14 to 16. Teaching unions have expressed concerns about the existing pressures on primary schools and the need for adequate support to implement such changes.
According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), 981,000 individuals aged 16 to 24 in the UK were not in education, employment, or training (NEET) between April and June 2026. Milburn stated in an interview with the BBC that the goal in primary education should be to broaden children's horizons and provide them with a sense of what is possible.
Despite the current focus on apprenticeships and work experience in Years 10 and 11, Milburn argues that the path to becoming NEET often begins before age 16. He believes that integrating discussions about work into the primary curriculum could help address this issue. He suggested that employers could play a role by visiting schools to share information about career possibilities.
For Key Stage 4 students, Milburn emphasized the importance of real workplace experience and feedback from employers. He noted that many students do not receive any work experience, with about 40% of those aged 14 to 16 lacking opportunities. He criticized the current system, where students are often left to find their own placements, which can depend heavily on their parents' networks.
The final part of Milburn's review on NEETs is set to be released in the autumn. In England, while careers guidance is required for students aged 11-18, work experience is not mandatory. The government aims to ensure that every young person in England receives two weeks of work experience.
In contrast, Scotland and Wales already mandate career-based learning for students as young as three. Emma, a grandparent from Kirklees, expressed concerns that introducing career discussions in primary school may pressure young children to grow up too quickly. She believes that while learning is essential, children should also have the opportunity to enjoy their childhood.
Teaching unions have shown support for earlier career education but caution about the potential burden on primary schools. Paul Whiteman, general secretary of the National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT), highlighted the need to consider what existing programs might be impacted by new requirements. He praised initiatives like 'Primary Futures,' which connects volunteers from various professions with schools to inspire students.
Pepe Di'Iasio, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL), noted that bringing professionals into the classroom can enhance children's motivation and passion for future opportunities, although he acknowledged that rural areas may face challenges in accessing such resources.