Youth unemployment

YOUTH UNEMPLOYMENT

A group of young people from Depaul UK helped a young volunteer Caden Elliott to come up with the idea for a short film exploring the issue of youth unemployment. In this film we follow the life of a very keen and helpful young volunteer who has been through the troubles of youth unemployment, he shares his stories with us.

Dan Now without his job, Dan has to move on, finding it hard to write his CV and his father pressuring him to sign on the dole. When Dan wants to try his best to find a job, he needs help from his friends more then ever.

In this educational pack you will find energizers, discussion questions, information, references all related to the issue of youth unemployment. There are only suggestions, so you can tailor your own workshop.

For any suggestions or comments please email Evelina.savickaite@voda.org.uk

2011

Energizers/starters Resources Sheets of printed template (resource no. 1), pens or pencils

Similarities and differences.

Participants in pairs are asked to write down in overlapping part of circles what are similarities and individual circles the differences they have got in common.

Then they can share results in the large group.

Time: 5 minutes

Numbers Try counting as a group till you reach 20.

Certain rules apply: one cannot arrange, who is saying what number; if two people say the same number at the same time, the process starts from the beginning.

Initial reflection of the subject A thought shower about youth unemployment Resources: flipchart paper, markers

Time: 10 minutes

Participants are invited to reflect aloud upon the first impressions/words that come to their minds in relation to the issue of youth unemployment, and facilitator notes down the impressions. The suggested alternative activity could entail writing the individual reflections on post-it notes, and sticking them to a flipchart paper. The facilitator can decorate the flipchart paper by sticking one or some images to help the visual learners better focus.

Collage Resources: basic art materials, paper, magazines and newspapers

Time: 10 minutes

The participants could be given a range of art materials and newspapers to produce a collage about their perceptions of youth unemployment. The art works hung around might be a great visual aid to focus on the topic.

Stories Resources: a selection of printed stories (resource no. 2).

Time: 10 minutes

Young people in pairs or small groups could be given a story to reflect and discuss. They could be asked to think of solutions or advices to offer for story characters. Otherwise, they could just have a debate about what available opportunities are out there for young people, how they could cope with various feelings related to not being able to get a job.

Introduction to a subject Resources: statistics about youth unemployment (resource no 3.)

Time: 5 minutes

A facilitator is invited to use available materials like facts, quotes and statistics to present the subject.

Film Resources: DVD player or PC, projector, a copy of a film.

Time: 10 minutes

Watch a short film ‘Dan’. Synopsis of the film: Now without his job, Dan has to move on, finding it hard to write his CV and his father pressuring him to sign on the dole. When Dan wants to try his best to find a job, he needs help from his friends more then ever.

Reflection Resources: questions (resource no. 4)

Time: 10mins

Participants are invited to discuss what feelings, thoughts or reflections they after having watched the short film.

Simulation exercise: Label game Resources:sticky paper notes, a template for evaluation Aim: to let young people simulate different social status in which they maybe never felt before and raise awareness of how many ‘labels’ for some group of people and prejudges the society has. .

Time: 20mins

Description: A facilitator writes down on sticky paper notes different kind of social roles which tend to be discriminative (i.e. old lady, Muslim, pregnant woman, just graduated student, black person etc.) and stick it on the participants’ foreheads. Then the participants need to go around the place asking each other different question and trying to find out who they are. Meanwhile, their friends must act with them like with characters written down on their foreheads, rather than friends. Participants are not allowed to tell what is written on the label. After someone has come up with an idea who they are they need to return to their seat and wait for others. Once everyone is ready, everyone goes around in a circle saying what they think their roles were and why they think like that.

Evaluation: participants can write their thoughts and reflections on the paper clovers provided. The group can stick their written paper clovers on the flip chart paper to display a nice field of thoughts.

Tips and advises Resources: tips and advises list (resource no. 6), flipchart paper, pens

Time: 10 minutes

Participants are advised to discuss the offered tips and add to the list what they think young people could do.

Evaluation

Resources: art materials, paper

Time: 5 minutes

Young people could draw a picture how they felt during this lesson. It can be any visual illustration. Meanwhile colors of picture could reflect awareness and knowledge person gained in this session. Dark colors would symbolize that they have not learned anything, neutral colors may mean that they have gained some knowledge, whereas bright colours could signify the risen awareness. Then participants may want to put these pictures in the middle of circle and if they feel comfortable, make few comments about their picture.

Resource no. 1 Energiser template

Resource No.2 Stories Abi I became unemployed 8 months ago. It was a very difficult time for me because I did not have internet access at home, and also I didn't have any phone to ring employers, I didn't have a computer to print CV’s nor I did have any necessary experience.

Being unemployed I became quite isolated from everyone else because I couldn't go out as I didn't have money to do that. Neither had I felt like going out. When you get up in the morning and you don't have to go work, it feels quite lonely. Asking for crisis loans was quite a humiliating experience too, as I felt uncomfortable asking money for nothing.

Recently I started doing a new thing with a Job Centre, which is called New Deal and it is from 18 until 25 years old and they have certain job vacancies that are available only for young people. I applied for one of them, and got an interview.

Job Centre was quite helpful, as they bought me interview clothes, promised to give me a monthly metro and bus pass. So if you show you are interested in getting a job, they can be supportive.

In the future I would like to be a police officer. I need to work with a public for couple of years to get some more work experience.

My advice for those who are still at school to stay in education, because I found out then you when leave school you don’t know sometimes what you want to do and you might to rush into something, whilst later on when you grow up you might have more clever ideas. Or get a Saturday job!

Another opportunity that I took advantage of was 'Princess Trust fund' program for 16 to 25 years old, where you have an opportunity to do a lot of activities as a group. They helped me to write aims and find work or how to get back to education, advice on self-employment, take you away to residential, different sport, work experience and voluntary work together. I think it was the best experience ever.

Robert

I became unemployed when I left school. I was not very capable and often being in the class just a clown. Now once I left school, I am thinking why I couldn’t keep my head down and get the grades I needed to get a decent job. So now I am stuck on benefits and finding very hard to find a job.

In Job centre I received some support, but I don't think it's a type of support people really need. After all, you have to do everything yourself.

When you are unemployed, you don't have much to do. A lot of teenagers, I think, don't have jobs and have nothing to do. In the morning when you get up, you don't have anywhere to go to. It is very hard to live on benefits, it's pretty hard to get by with.

It's very difficult to rent a flat too. I mean if you have a job you are able to do that and I will be able to do what I want to. You struggle with paying rent. I think people would feel better having a job, enjoy their life instead of sitting home on benefits.

My family helped me pushing into the right direction instead of going the wrong path.

Like my mum, she gets annoying, but she helps a lot.

For those who are still at school, I would suggest just try and be as best as you can. Get on with what you need to do. If you have decent grades, you can get a job that you like instead of what you don't like. I didn't listen to other, and I was hanging around with a wrong crowd.

In the future I would like to be an engineer or mechanic. I would like to go to college trying to do a course on mechanic service.

Dominic I became unemployed six months ago. I did my GCSE pretty well. I went to college. I picked random subjects I enjoyed doing. Then I got a job in Newcastle. I was running a restaurant in China town and I enjoyed doing that for a long time and I carried on with my studies and did my university course. I finished my college as a civil engineer.

I had some troubles at college, fights and stuff. Most of them weren’t my fault, being in a wrong place wrong time. I had to serve in prison for 14 months. I got back into work, but because of cuts I lost it once again.

Now I haven't been working for 6 months. I am applying for different jobs and trying to get back to work. But it is really difficult. I am hoping to start my new business. Get myself going. At the moment I am doing my driving license, as you need it often to get a job.

Being unemployed restricted me pretty much as you can't do anything you would like to do. You can't really go out. You can't afford to buy stuff.

It's very difficult to get a job then because you need to travel to interviews, and it is costly. When you apply for a job and you don't get it, it's a big way down. You start thinking whether it was worth applying in the first place, because you get knocks back.

Drive Ahead project helps me to get my driving licence. They gave me reason to get out and help others. It built my self-confidence. And then again I see myself like someone who needs to drive all time. I am not comfortable where I am now as I am always driving to achieve more. I see other people, who can’t get job; they stay where they are, not bothering to achieve anything. It’s difficult to keep going. You don’t believe that things are going to change some time soon. But anyway, you just need keep going. I find myself quite motivated. I have high targets and inspirations. If I am not going to do my self, nobody is going to do for me. I don’t know if it is good or not, but that’s how I look at things.

I think at this time it is important be aware of the choices and take on things you are actually passionate about. It always will drive you to succeed and get the best out of you. If you finish school then just try thinking about what happens after you left school. Then you are at school and you are messing around with your mates and you don’t get your work done. Think about the future. You know, just think, just really think. Once all these people are gone, you need to stand on your own feet. It is comfortable stay with your parents, family and all that eventually you do need to grow up away from that and once you left school you on your own. You got start building your own future. That’s your responsibility. You can get kicked in, but you need to stand up and think what I have to show.

Terry Anne I am unemployed now for 8 months. I want to be a mobile hair dresser.

After education at school I went to the college to become a hair dresser. I past that one. I applied for all jobs I could, but I was unsuccessful. Then I went the path to become self- employed and that’s what I am trying to do now. I have been doing my business plan and Drive Ahead helps me doing my driving license.

Job Centre was not really supportive. Only thing they advice me is to get on another course. If you don't accept that support, you might have your money being stopped.

I receive money to my bank account every time I sign. If I sign on Wednesday I won’t get money till Monday.

They make you to go and to see an adviser every maybe once a month. He goes through there you are, what you want to do, if you want some help with applications he will do it with you. He looks on the job site if there are any jobs.

The hardest thing to be unemployed is not having enough to live on. I don’t want to be on the dole. It is not a thing for everybody, some people are lazy and they rather stay on it. I want to be out of it and do what I want to do. Just be able go and buy and have job and not be struggling all the time.

Once I struggled so much that I had to apply for a crisis loan. Sometimes they don't believe you. And you don’t get accepted and then you don’t have anything for two weeks, no food no gas. Then I just borrow money from other people.

For other young people my advice would be try your best to get a job. Just put your application everywhere you can. You can be called names, you can be called lazy. I won’t wish it for anyone. Because some people don’t understand that not all people who don’t have job are lazy, sometimes you just can be unsuccessful.

Resource no. 3 Unemployment facts and statistics ‘‘The unemployment rate reached 20.5 per cent among economically active youths aged 16 to 24, following a 66,000 increase to 965,000 in the last quarter of 2010, the highest figures since comparable records began in 1992.’ Financial times, 16 February 2011 ‘North-east England had the largest rise in unemployment, up 1.3 percentage points to a rate of 10.2 per cent, the highest in the UK.’ Financial times, 16 February 2011 ‘The youth unemployment rate was 20.5%, compared with a general unemployment rate of 7.9%”. BBC News, 16 February 2011 ‘Youth unemployment has jumped to a record high of almost one million with one in five now out of work’. The Telegraph, 15 March 2011 ‘UK rate of unemployment for 16-24 year olds in October was 16.1 per cent - above the Euro area average of 15.9 per cent.’ People Management, 30 January 2009.

‘Unemployment figures show more than one in five young people out of work.’ Guardian, 13 April 2011

Reasons for Youth Unemployment 1. Lack of Qualifications. Young people without any skills are much more likely to be unemployed (structural unemployment), however, the service sector has increased in importance and this creates unskilled jobs such as bar work, supermarket checkout and waiters.

2. Geographical Unemployment. Youth unemployment is often focused in certain areas – usually inner cities where there is a cycle of low achievement and low expectations.

3. Black Economy? Official Unemployment may occur in areas where there is a thriving black economy. i.e. there are unofficial jobs for people to take. These jobs may be illegal such as dealing in soft drugs. However, it is hard to ascertain the extent of these unofficial jobs and it is easy to make sweeping generalisations about deprived areas.

4. Real Wage Unemployment. You could argue unemployment is caused by labour market rigidities and wages being above the equilibrium rate. However, in the UK, there is a special introductory rate for the minimum wage for 16-18 olds. It is significantly lower than the main minimum wage.

5. Frictional unemployment. School leavers may just take time to find the right work.

Taken from: Economics – Help, May 2008

Quotes ‘When you get up in the morning and you don't have to go work, it feels quite lonely.’

Abi ‘My advice for those who are still at school to stay in education, because I found out then you when leave school you don’t know sometimes what you want to do and you might to rush into something you , whilst later on when you grow up you might have more clever ideas’ Abi ‘I think people would feel better having a job, enjoy their life instead of sitting home on benefits.’ Robert ‘I am applying for different jobs and trying to get back to work. But it is really difficult.

I am hoping to start my new business’. Dominic

Opportunities to gain more skills and experience Prince's Trust Programmes http://www.princes-trust.org.uk Volunteering opportunities www.do-it.org.uk www.voda.org.uk Information: Young adult unemployment http://www.poverty.org.uk/35/index.shtml Government employment schemes http://www.adviceguide.org.uk/index/your_money/employment/ government_employment_schemes.htm Government unveils new plans to massively expand work experience opportunities for the young unemployed http://www.dwp.gov.uk/newsroom/press-releases/2011/jan-2011/dwp007-11.shtml

Resource no. 4 Questions for reflection: • • • •

What you want to do after leaving school?

What do you know about sixth form, college or training courses?

Do you know where to get help, support and advice?

Are you aware of the consequences of different paths?

• • • •

How does Dan really feel?

What could be Dan’s future?

What difficulties has he faced applying for jobs?

What tips could young people give to Dan?

Resource no. 5 A clover for reflection

Resource no. 6 Tips and advices offered by a young people from Drive Ahead project in Depaul UK: • • •

• • • •

• • •

•

Don’t only apply for one job, college or training, apply for more Take a temporary job until you get the job of your course Try one of those options: ⇒ Connections ⇒ Prince’s trust ⇒ De Paul U.K ⇒ Working links/job centre ⇒ Business factory ⇒ Business advice Volunteering Make the most of your education Keep your options open Try getting work experience while you are young, remember it is easier to get a better job if you are already in employment. This may mean taking any job you can get as a stepping stone to the job you want.

Take any and all advice on offer i.e. from your schools careers advisor, Connexions and maybe approach employment agencies for help.

Don’t forget to ask friends and family for help- this is known as networking. Often it’s not what you know it’s who you know.

The internet is a great resource and tool for seeking employment, there are many sites advertising vacancies. Often employers have a link on there websites to situations vacant.

Try to remain positive and focused on your goals. Don’t give up as you never know when you may get a lucky break!