In employment terms, what young people want is “not much different to what they wanted 10 or 20 years ago. Young people are looking for opportunities”, according to Jon Thorn, employer services director at the National Apprenticeship Service.

Thorn spoke at an Employers Forum on Age (EFA) roundtable in London on 22 September. Chaired by Recruiter editor DeeDee Doke, the focus was on early career work experiences, and delivery of the right mix of opportunities.

The unpaid internship is a staple of young people’s entry into the job market, as Alex Try, founder of forum Interns Anonymous, emphasised. An Interns Anonymous survey showed 70% of interns left feeling their job prospects had improved, but only 10% were paid. Clearly, opportunities exist, but are often inaccessible to those without “independent wealth”, Try added.

Demand for internships and other work-related opportunities is high, with Thorn emphasising “the number of young persons looking for apprenticeships outstrips supply, often more so than in ’standard’ jobs”. He said “a lot of myth-busting” is needed to clarify to various stakeholders what a modern apprenticeship actually entails.

EFA chief executive Denise Keating was optimistic that “as this [apprenticeships] gains momentum, it will gain currency, but what I’m more concerned about are internships and pay”.

Broadening knowledge of opportunities generally was a concern, often blurring the line between business needs and corporate social responsibility. BT’s head of diversity practice Dennis Gissing suggested business “take a more active role in education, to build the future”. However, Samina Shad, British Gas’ attraction and diversity manager believes schools are getting more savvy in preparing students for employment.

EFA will soon publish a report summarising findings and providing recommendations for employers.