of young people asked about employment barriers said a lack of work experience was preventing them from accessing work.
Source: Youth Voice Census 2026For hospitality and retail employers
First job.Future career.
Give young people a first chance. Support them to succeed. Show them where it can lead.
Young people want to work, but getting that first opportunity is becoming harder. Around one million 16 to 24-year-olds are outside education, employment or training, while hospitality and retail employers need the talent and skills that will sustain their businesses for the future. First Job. Future Career. helps employers create those opportunities through apprenticeships.
You create the opportunity. We help make it work.
Plan your first opportunity
of people's first proper jobs are in retail, hospitality and consumer services.
Source: The First Rung 2026of young people believe good-quality jobs are available where they live.
Source: Youth Voice Census 2026The employer promise
Six building blocks of a good first opportunity.
A good first shift should be more than a vacancy. It should give someone the skills, support and belief to take their next one.
Create opportunity
Open genuine entry routes into hospitality and retail for young people.
Recruit for potential
Look beyond previous experience when the role is genuinely entry level.
Support people well
Use strong induction, line management and tailored learning support.
Develop skills
Build capability and confidence through relevant apprenticeships.
Create belonging
Help every young person feel part of the team from their first shift.
Show progression
Make the route from first job to future career visible from day one.
Choose your route
Start where your organisation is now.
One opportunity, a recruitment need or a larger workforce plan: there is a practical next step.
Foundation Apprenticeships
A supported first step for young people who need to build occupational skills, confidence and workplace behaviours before progressing further.
Explore Foundation Apprenticeships →Recruit a hospitality or retail apprentice
Already have an opportunity? We can help you reach, assess and recruit young people looking to start their career.
Explore apprentice recruitment →Explore hospitality and retail apprenticeships
Create an entry route or build progression by developing existing employees and opening opportunities further down your organisation.
Explore apprenticeships →One partner. The whole journey.
HIT Training supports every step.
From planning the opportunity to helping each apprentice progress, the whole journey is visible at a glance.
Plan and attract
PlanWorkforce planning and identifying the right roles
AttractCandidate attraction and recruitment campaigns
Recruit and start well
MatchRecruiting and matching apprentices
Start wellOnboarding and initial assessment
Include and engage
IncludeSEND, English, maths and additional learning needs
EngageLine-manager engagement and pastoral support
Develop and progress
DevelopApprenticeship training and progress reviews
ProgressEarly-retention support, achievement and progression
Evidence and guidance
Understand the challenge. Act on the opportunity.
Manifesto
TOP Youth Employment Manifesto
Recommendations for creating better routes into employment and apprenticeships for young people.
Read the manifestoResearchThe First Rung
How the quality of someone's first job can shape progression, confidence and earnings.
Read the researchIndependent reviewYoung People and Work
The independent review examining why more young people are becoming detached from education and employment.
Read the reviewYouth insightYouth Voice Census 2026
The experiences of 11,508 young people across life, education, careers and employment.
Read the censusNew Employer ResourceEmployability Skills Framework
Skills England has recently launched an Employability Skills Framework, setting out the skills young people need for a first job and practical guidance on what employers can look for, assess and help develop.
Read about the framework