By Liam Plumridge, Assistant Director - Enhanced Skills and Employability, HRUC
Helping young people move confidently from education into work is one of the biggest challenges facing the UK.
The latest figures show that 981,000 young people aged 16–24 were not in education, employment or training (NEET) in April–June 2026 – 13% of the age group. The challenge is particularly significant for young people from disadvantaged backgrounds and those with lower qualifications.
Employability is built into your experience
That is why the relationship between education and employers matters so much.
At HRUC, we believe employability is not something that starts when a student finishes college. It should be built into their experience from the moment they arrive.
We work with thousands of employers across our communities, creating opportunities for students to gain workplace experience, develop practical skills and understand what employers expect.
Developing 'Skills for Industry'
Last year, over 6,000 HRUC students benefitted from industry relevant work experience, as well as participating in live employer briefs and projects. This has helped our students develop 'Skills for Industry' and contribute meaningfully to their workplaces when they enter employment.
Our partnerships include Heathrow, the NHS and Amazon, alongside hundreds of other businesses and organisations.
HRUC currently engages with more than 3,500 employers, including around 500 through apprenticeships and there are many ways this happens.
Students benefit from:
- Work experience
- Industry placements
- Employer-led projects
- Site visits
- Masterclasses
- Careers talks and mock interviews.
Creating opportunities
For example, our work with Heathrow has helped create opportunities for apprenticeships, work experience, employment and skills programmes, while our partnership with the NHS supports apprenticeships, workforce development, and work experience in health and care.
Indeed, last year our relationship with British Airways created fantastic opportunities for students, leading to an unprecedented number of applications, interviews and positive outcomes.
Future Start
The opening of the Future Start youth employment hub at Uxbridge is another example of this commitment, bringing together HRUC, employers and partners to create practical routes into jobs, apprenticeships and further training for local young people.
Earn while you learn
Apprenticeships provide another important route into employment.
HRUC Apprenticeships & Skills offers programmes across a wide range of sectors, enabling people to earn while they learn and giving employers the opportunity to develop talent with the skills their organisations need.
This approach is increasingly important nationally as policymakers look to strengthen pathways from education into work.
Shaping curriculum design
Crucially, employers don't just provide opportunities – they help shape what students learn.
HRUC has employer and industry advisers who help ensure curriculum content reflects changing skills needs and provide us with key insights.
Employers contribute to:
- Curriculum design
- Live briefs
- Assignments
- Equipment
- Guest lectures
- Industry placements.
Even when employers are unable to host a placement or apprenticeship, many deliver masterclasses to provide students with contemporary and relevant insight into different sectors.
Developing essential skills employers value
As the only college in London and one of only three colleges in the UK to receive the Skills Builder Flagship Award, this provides further evidence of how HRUC is helping students develop the essential skills employers value, from communication and teamwork to problem-solving and self-management.
Making a real difference
That is why our HRUC Employer Awards (taking place this Autumn) really matter. They are an opportunity to recognise and thank the organisations that invest their time, expertise and opportunities in our learners – whether through apprenticeships, work experience, curriculum development, mentoring or careers insight.
Our thriving employer partnerships make a real difference.
Together, we can give more young people the experience, skills, confidence and connections they need to take their next step – and help ensure that talent, wherever it comes from, has a route into a successful career.