The challenges young people face when trying to enter the workforce are well-documented.

Listen to this article

Recent 2025 data paints a telling picture, with more than 1.8 million candidates competing for just over 31,000 early-career roles. At the same time, vacancies at top employers have fallen to their lowest level since 2021, showing just how competitive it has become to enter the workforce.

But less attention is given to the difficulties facing those who do manage to find work.

Securing that first role is an achievement, but challenges remain. For those who secure an early-career role, there’s no shortage of activity and pressures.

Young workers are often expected to bear the brunt of admin-heavy workloads and routine tasks that don’t provide a clear sense of progression. They are busy all the time, but that does not always mean they are building the skills, confidence or experience that will move them forward.

That is where frustration starts to build. For too many people at the start of their careers, work can feel full of activity but thin on progression.

This pattern of work........

© LBC