A new ESSA UK survey says 93% of young people would appreciate work-related training, with only 49% receiving it.
The association’s survey also found 84% of young people do not have an event specific qualification, with 47% not believing it important to their development.
The UK’s Event Supplier and Services Association (ESSA) Future Focus Board revealed the results of its first research exercise, The Young Employee Survey 2019, 10 October. ESSA surveyed 49 individuals from 49 member companies in compiling its research.
Other results were that a majority surveyed (61%) felt valued in their role, with salary being flagged as the most important issue for employees.
In terms of employer concerns, 70% believed pressure and tight deadlines were the most challenging issues for their young employees. A third of companies answered that there had a growing problem recruiting people under the age of 30.
ESSA is the main UK organisation charged with changing how the exhibition industry recruits, trains and retains young people.
The Future Focus Board asked both young employees and their employers about multiple subjects, including training, qualifications, recruitment, ambitions and salary expectations.
Jess Corbett, chair of the Future Focus Board said: “A key element of the Future Focus Board is to stimulate thought and action on recruiting and retaining young people in the industry. We’ve chosen to communicate the results of this research project firstly as an infographic because it’s inherently shareable and easily digested in a quick read.”
“This research,” Corbett concluded, “is the springboard for the coming year’s activities, and we’ll be holding two breakout sessions at this year’s ESSA conference at Arena MK on 28 November.”
