Children as young as four should begin learning about different careers and the world of work, according to the author of a government-commissioned review into youth unemployment in the UK. Former minister Alan Milburn is calling for employers to visit primary schools to give talks and taster sessions, while making work experience placements mandatory for pupils aged 14 to 16.
The recommendations come as official figures reveal the scale of the challenge facing young people. Between April and June 2026, 981,000 people aged 16 to 24 in the UK were not in education, employment or training—a measure known as Neet. According to the Office for National Statistics, this total was 30,000 lower than in the previous quarter but 30,000 higher than a year earlier, with the rate standing at 13.0 percent. The figures break down further: 588,000 of those classified as Neet were economically inactive, while 393,000 were unemployed and actively seeking work.
Teaching unions have welcomed the focus on early career awareness but have raised concerns about the practical burden on schools already under significant strain. The recommendations are part of the final instalment of Milburn's review, expected to be published in the autumn.
Why introduce careers learning so early?
Milburn argues that early exposure to different career paths can prevent young people from drifting towards unemployment before they reach secondary school.
In primary school, it's really about opening their eyes and giving them a sense about what is possible, he told the BBC. For many young people, he suggests, the path towards becoming Neet begins well before their 16th birthday, making intervention at primary level essential.
The former minister points to existing gaps in work experience provision.
There are about four in ten people aged 14-16 who aren't getting any work experience at all, he said.
In other schools, students are told to go off and find their own work experience and that often relies on the network of Mum and Dad.This inequality, he argues, means that young people from families without professional networks are disadvantaged from the outset.
Milburn's interim report, published in May, warned that without action, the number of young people classified as Neet could reach 1.25 million within five years. However, a survey cited in that interim report found that 84 percent of young people who were Neet wanted a job or training, suggesting that motivation and opportunity, rather than willingness, are the barriers.
What would the changes involve?
Milburn proposes that employers give talks in primary schools and offer taster sessions to children, with dedicated curriculum space to
broaden horizons.
It'd be good if employers came into schools and said, 'Look, this is what's going on, these are things that are possible.'
For Key Stage 4 pupils—those aged 14 to 16—Milburn insists that experience must take place in a real workplace with formal employer feedback.
Work experience needs to be mandatory. It makes a big difference, he told the BBC. Currently in England, careers guidance is mandatory for students aged 11 to 18, but work experience is not statutory.
The government has already signalled its own ambition in this area, stating its vision to
guarantee two weeks' worth of work experience for every young personin England. Major employers are beginning to respond: Sainsbury's announced around 10,000 work-experience and skills opportunities for young people over the next year, with places due to start rolling out in October 2026.
What do schools and parents think?
Teaching unions have responded positively to the concept of introducing career-based learning at a younger age, but have flagged serious concerns about implementation. Paul Whiteman, general secretary of the National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT), warns of the
significant pressurealready facing primary schools.
Whenever new mandatory requirements are proposed, it is important to be clear about what might have to give way to make room for them, he said.
Whiteman highlighted the value of existing programmes such as Primary Futures, which brings volunteers from different professions into schools to challenge stereotypes and raise aspirations.
The earlier young people can begin to make connections between what they learn in school and the possibilities that lie ahead, the better, he added.
Pepe Di'Iasio, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL), acknowledged that employer visits can
enlighten [children's] motivation... and give them that sense of passion for all the opportunities beyond the classroom. However, he noted that finding such opportunities in rural areas could prove more challenging.
Parent opinion is divided. Emma, from Kirklees, who has three grandchildren in Years 1, 2 and 4, believes primary school is too young to focus on careers.
In primary school, there is too much trying to get little kids to grow up too quickly. Just let them be little kids. I know they have to learn and the world's changing, but still, give them a chance to be kids.
Other parents take a different view. Zoe, another parent, said
I think it's a good idea. It's something that everyone has to do, so if you learn early, it's something they don't have to learn later on.
How does this fit into the wider policy landscape?
Education is devolved across the UK, so while Milburn's review examines the situation in all four nations, his education recommendations apply only to England. Scotland and Wales have already moved ahead: in both countries, career-based learning is already a requirement in schools for students as young as three.
The government has also been developing complementary initiatives. In July 2026, England announced plans to offer technical subjects from age 14, with courses linked to local jobs and industries, as part of its broader effort to tackle youth unemployment.
What happens next?
The final instalment of Milburn's review is expected to be published in the autumn. The next ONS Neet statistics release is scheduled for 26 November 2026, which will provide updated figures on youth unemployment and inactivity.
Key Facts:
- 981,000 people aged 16 to 24 were classified as Neet between April and June 2026, with 588,000 economically inactive and 393,000 unemployed
- Milburn proposes mandatory work experience for 14- to 16-year-olds and employer visits to primary schools
- Currently in England, work experience is not statutory, though careers guidance is mandatory for ages 11 to 18
- Scotland and Wales already require career-based learning for children as young as three
- Sainsbury's is launching 10,000 work-experience and skills opportunities, with placements starting in October 2026
