The Children’s Commissioner for England, Dame Rachel de Souza, has called for stronger pathways between education and employment, warning that shifts in the labour market are making it increasingly difficult for young people to access their first jobs.

Drawing on conversations with young people across England, the Commissioner said young people remain ambitious and want to work, but can struggle to access opportunities, experience and connections to local employers.

She called for a radical improvement in work experience, alongside stronger links between schools, colleges and local labour markets so young people better understand the opportunities available to them.

The Commissioner also backed high-quality vocational and technical routes alongside academic pathways, arguing that young people should have clear options into skilled employment regardless of their background.

The intervention follows growing concern about youth economic inactivity and calls for government, education providers and employers to ensure young people are not left behind as the labour market changes.