Our new Commercial Education Trust (CET) video series answers this question by capturing the journeys, challenges, and insights of young people stepping into today’s dynamic workforce.

The video offers a window into their personal stories, providing valuable lessons for educators, decision-makers, and employers.

About the Video Series

In this compelling video series, we follow a diverse group of young people from one our grantee partners, ELAM, reflecting on their first professional experiences. These authentic, character-driven stories highlight key lessons and bridge the gap between what they expected and what they encountered.

Three Key Phases in Their Stories:

1. Before They Started Work - Their aspirations and the guidance they received from family, school, and community.
2. When They Started Work - The realities of adapting to new environments, organisational processes, and workplace culture.
3. Advice for Young People Entering the Workforce - Hard-won insights and tips for others embarking on their professional journey.

This series serves as a resource for organisations to better understand and support young people, making it easier to foster their potential.

Video Highlights

• Workplace Readiness - The young people reveal how they had to adapt their expectations and skills for the real world.
• Bridging Knowledge Gaps - Key organisational know-how, social dynamics, and cultural aspects they wish they’d been prepared for.
• Guidance for Young People and Employers - Tips on adapting to professional environments and practical advice from real experiences.