As we move into an era where work experience and unpaid internships take precedent how do we feel about the possibility of becoming the work experience generation?

A new study by UNISON released in March this year has revealed that across the UK around four people are competing for each job vacancy made available, rising to more than 20 applicants in some parts of the country such as London and the Isle of Wight. It puts forward the questions the conundrum. How do you get a job that without experience or experience without a job?

As the necessity for experience is on the increase the chance for young people to gain it in the work place appear to be growing slimmer. A long-term study has revealed since 1990 the proportion of 16-17 year old with a part time job has dropped by half as youths battle for jobs with their older risky in today’s hard economic times can young people really be blamed for holding the highest unemployment figures of all age groups and without opportunities how can they go about changing their prospects?

Oliver Tracey, aged 19, has worked in a variety of fields from hairdressing to bar work since the age of 16, told The Fresh Outlook team he believes it’s all about drive.

He said: “I think that if a young person wants a job and has the drive to do well then it is possible to become part of the current job market.

“We all pick up skills that can be transferred to the work place in everyday life however it’s about showing them and using them in the correct way that can make the difference. You may not get your dream job straight away but there are businesses out there willing to help and definitely opportunities to help you get your foot in the door. You just have to be willing to look for them.”

The government believe however the root of youth unemployment lies in a lack of real work place experience and in August last year launched a pilot scheme hoping to combat these issues. Based in London the scheme aimed to help 6,000 18-24 year olds who applied for job seekers allowance with little or no work experience in the past three months by placing them in a work experience program. The program lasted 13 weeks with people working 30 hour weeks in various sectors including charities, social enterprises and voluntary organisations. The aim was to give these young people work place relevant skills to improve their long term employment prospects.

The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, said: “It’s no secret that work experience can be the key that opens the door to a successful career and more young Londoners need to be given the opportunity to do it. Right now it’s a tough labour market out there and we have to ensure that all young people get the skills they need to succeed and for which employers are crying out.”

When the recession first hit many young people headed to university in an attempt to improve their long term job prospects. A recent study by High Fliers Research however has revealed that graduates applying for positions who have not undertaken previous work experience while at university will have little to no chance of landing a well-paid job with a leading employer after completing their study.

Martin Birchall, managing director of High Fliers Research said: “This latest research confirms that taking part in work placements or internships while at university is now just as important as getting a 2.1 or first-class degree.”

And there are many students for who this is exactly the problem. One such case is Emily Farley who spoke to the BBC concerning her frustrations about being part of the work experience generation. After leaving university with a first class degree Emily has undertaken a number of internships in an attempt to break into the journalism field however none have resulted in a graduate position.

“It seems as though internships have replaced entry-level jobs,” she says. “It’s all about being in the right place at the right time.”

When this knowledge is laid alongside high university fees and student debts it leaves some students question if it was worth the hard work.

As it becomes clearer work experience is pivotal in gaining a successful career many universities have responded by offering volunteering opportunities to their students. Yet why aren’t all students taking these valuable opportunities and why aren’t universities doing more to make these a compulsory part of their degree program? An important factor is availability. Many students are left unaware the importance of completing relevant work experience until they enter into the job market as universities aren’t able to offer enough placements to support students. Further statistics by High Flier research also revealed top businesses targeted 20 or fewer universities when offering internships, with Warwick University topping the chart, leaving universities and students further down the table at a disadvantage when providing opportunities.

However some claim that this rise in work experience comes down to much more than just “being in the right place at the right time” as Emily described or studying at a top university. Many argue that the current work experience culture is in fact giving an unfair advantage to well connected and wealthy families. The report, Work Experience – Impact and Delivery, Insights from the Evidence, conducted last year says “The problem is that half of placements are found by young people or by their families using largely existing social networks.” It is this reliance on family connections that leaves many job seekers at a disadvantage when applying for experience or jobs at top institutions using positions as a way to reinforce elitist networks as opposed to aiding the professional growth of deserving individuals.

As part of the social mobility scheme introduced by the government in 2011 deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg responded to these ideas.

He said: “We want a fair job market based on merit not networks.”

He continued that career opportunities should not rely on “who your father’s friends are.”

He said: “It should be about what you know, not who you know.”

In the current economic climate and work experience boom these promises seem more important than ever yet are they still just pie in the sky ideas or are businesses really ready to look outside their own social networks and embrace the unknown?

And young people are not the only ones falling prey to the experience effect. With many adults re-entering the job market to change career paths they also face starting from the bottom. Research by leading office recruitment firm Office Angels reveals the job for life is fast becoming a thing of the past with people taking on a variety of different job roles in many different sectors throughout their lifetime.

They state: “The concept of a career – let alone a job – for life could have all but disappeared within 25 years, replaced by workers pursuing a succession of different career paths.”

This job versatility however creates an interesting but slightly worrying question – can we be expected to build up a wealth of voluntary experience for every industry we may enter into throughout our life?

However David Clubb, managing director of Office Angels, said: “Whereas experience and loyalty were the core attributes in the ‘jobs for life’ era.

“What’s emerging from our research is that flexibility and adaptability are going to be valued increasingly highly over the next few decades. That’s not to say that having the relevant skills and a sense of dedication to the job won’t be important, but companies and employees will have to find a new balance.”

So with all this information what route should we be taking to improve our employment prospects both right now and for the future? This idea of balance is an extremely important concept that many job seekers and businesses alike will be trying to embrace to stay on top of the job market. As 2013 sees many businesses offering more volunteer placements to graduates than in the previous year and job seekers across all age groups working harder to prove their the right candidate for the job transferable skills and versatility are becoming more important than ever.

And while we may be the exhausted work experience generation steadily fighting to get out feet in the career door recent growth in employment figures has revealed one thing – we are not ready to give up just yet.

By Jazzria Harris

[Image courtesy of HelenCobain]

The earthquake was measured at a 6.1 magnitude and hit the town of Kaki sparing the nearby nuclear power plant.

At least three strong aftershocks also hit struck the same area in the hour after the quake.
Officials have stated the power plant was not damaged and there was no radioactive release.

The Bushehr provincial governor, Fereidoun Hasanvand, told state TV “No damage was done to Bushehr power plant.”

The quake however is said to have “ruined” the city of Kaki with water and electricity being cut off to many residents in the worst hit district, Shonbeh.

A resident within the city said people ran out into the streets in fear following the quake.

Shahpour Rostami, the deputy governor of Bushehr province, has stated rescue teams have been deployed to Shonbeh.

Three helicopters have surveyed the damaged area with damage being particularly bad in the village of Baghan.

Early on Sunday a smaller earthquake had hit a nearby area. Iran is located on fault line and suffers from frequent earthquakes.

The country has now announced three days of mourning.

By Jazzria Harris

[Image courtesy of CECAR - Climate and Ecosystems Change Adaption]

Working in a waterlogged trench archaeologists have found writing tablets, coins, pottery, shoes and a gladiator shaped amulet dating back almost 2,000 years.

The dig is being hailed ‘the most important excavation ever held in London’ and the site has been dubbed ‘Pompeii of the north’.

Sophie Jackson, from the Museum of London Archaeology, said “It will tell us so much about the people of London. We will get names and addresses, things we’ve never had before. It’s really exciting.”

The wetness of the ground has been especially useful in preserving the natural artefacts such as timber, bone and even a straw basket.

The most interesting artefact form the dig is an elaborate piece of padded leather depicting a gladiator fighting mythical creatures. It is the first object of its type to be found.

The three-acre site is also the origin of Temple of Mithras which was dismantled and moved after it was discovered by archaeologists in the 1950s.

Both the temple and some of the recent finds are to be restored to their original home and will be displayed in a viewing area as part of the new Bloomberg building.

By Jazzria Harris

[Image courtesy of Verity Cridland]

In a speech that took place in North Connecticut, where a gunman killed 20 children and six adults last December, President Obama made a heartfelt plea to citizens.

He stated: “We are as determined as ever to do what must be done. I’m here to ask you to help me show we can get it done.”

In the new legislation President Obama called for stronger background checks on gun buyers, limiting the size of ammunition magazines and a ban on all assault weapons.

While opinion polls show a majority of Americans support the new legislation however some believe the bill counteracts Americans constitutional rights to own a gun.

The National Rifle Association also argued background checks are ignored by criminals and that applying legislation in this way could lead to the government holding files on all gun owners.

Following the speech 11 parents of the children who were killed are set to travel back to Washington with President Obama. There they will lobby members of congress who are yet to back the gun control bill.

By Jazzria Harris

[Image courtesy of Mike Saechang]

Her children, Mark and Carol Thatcher, state she died “peacefully” suffering from a stroke while staying at The Ritz hotel in London.

The former Prime Minister is said to have been ill for more than a decade and was staying in The Ritz while recuperating from a minor operation.

Today tributes are being paid to Baroness Thatcher. David Cameron stated she had been a “great Briton”.

Barack Obama also added the “world has lost one of the great champions of freedom and liberty”.
The Queen has also sent a private message of condolence to the family.

Baroness Thatcher stood as Britain’s prime minister from 1979 to 1990 and won three general elections.

David Cameron also added “She moved the centre ground of British politics and was a huge figure on the world stage.”

Not many global politicians have polarised public opinion as much as the Baroness did but she changed the United Kingdom but whether for better or for worse is open to debate.

The Union Jack flag at 10 Downing Street has been lowered to half mast in memory of the former prime minister as were those at Buckingham Palace.

Her funeral is expected to be held next week at London’s St Pauls Cathedral. She is to be awarded the honour of a ceremonial funeral with full military honours followed by a private cremation.

By Jazzria Harris

[Image courtesy of roberthuffstutter]

Yesterday Mick and Mairead Philpott, alongside their friend Paul Mosely, were found guilty of the man slaughter of their six children.

Five of the Philpott’s children died in the blaze on May 11th 2012 while Duwayne, 13, Mairead’s son from a previous relationship died later in hospital.

The prosecution argued the fire that spread through the family’s Victory Road house was a bid by Mr Philpott to frame his former lover, Lisa Willis, 29, who had moved out of the house with his five children months before.

Philpott planned to play the hero who would save the family from the blaze yet his plan had gone “tragically and disastrously wrong”.

Jurors heard the details of Mr Philpot’s controversial life, which involved Ms. Willis residing as his live in mistress. When she left he became “obsessed with getting Lisa and the kids back” they said.

The jury took less than eight hours to reach their decision reaching a unanimous verdict for the conviction of Mick Phlipott and Paul Mosely while Mairead Philpott was convicted by a majority.

By Jazzria Harris

[Image courtesy of Lee J Haywood]

Approximately 480 South Korean workers who travelled to the park on the North Korean Border for work today were first delayed and then denied entry.

South Korea requests entry permission to the Kaesong Park each morning however it is the first time they have been refused since 2009.

As the biggest contributor to inter-Korean trade this ban could have a detrimental effect on businesses.

An anonymous manager on the site said: “Our workers are on standby to return. If the situation continues, however, our business will be affected.”

While many businesses are keeping their staff in place to avoid a labour shortage within Kaesong some South Korean workers are unable to leave due to transport issues.

One worker said: “People couldn’t return because they were supposed to be taken home on trucks scheduled to carry supplies into North Korea but the trucks couldn’t get into the North.”

The park that employs over 50,000 North Koreans and several hundred South Koreans acts as a symbol of co-operation between the two countries.

The ban comes after growing hostility within Pyongyang, North Korea who threatened to shut down the park last week. They are yet to indicate how long the ban will last.

By Jazzria Harris

[Image courtesy of Marthin Suhl]

28 year old Happy Sindane’s body was yesterday found on the roadside in the village of Tweefontein near Johannesburg suffering injuries consistent with stoning.

A South African police spokesman said “He was found lying in the street. The victim was identified as Happy Sindane, who was found with multiple injuries to his head.”

A further police spokesman, Colonel Leonard Hlathi, also added “There were stones found at the scene. We think he was stoned to death.”

In 2003 Happy made international headlines when he told police he had been abducted from a white family as a toddler and forced to become a slave for a black family.

After a four month enquiry South African police discovered Happy was likely the son of a black domestic worker and her white employer and had been left with the Sindane family by his mother.

The Sindane family denies any abuse against Happy and claims to have raised him as their foster son.

No arrests have yet been made concerning Happy’s death and South African police are requesting anybody with information to speak to the police.

By Jazzria Harris

[Image courtesy of Manuel Ebert]

The Nyongbong reactor, that can produce enough plutonium to create one atomic bomb each year, was closed in 2007 as part of international disarmament talks.

The news comes after the UN angered the country by proposing further sanctions against them following their third nuclear test.

An unidentified spokesman from North Korea’s General Department of Atomic Energy said the re-opening of the reactor is an attempt to resolve an electricity shortage within the country.

However he continued that the re-opening will also be a method of “bolstering up the nuclear armed force both in quality and quantity”.

At a government assembly the country recently declared nuclear arms and a stronger economy are the nation’s top priorities.

These acts are believed to be an attempt to present North Korea’s leader, Kim Jong-un, as a strong military force.

Alongside the re-opening of its reactor North Korea has threatened to end its ceasefire with South Korea and threatened both nuclear and rocket strikes against the US.

White House spokesperson Jay Carney said: The US is monitoring the Korean situation very diligently.

By Jazzria Harris

[Image courtesy of born1945]

The new motorway, that is estimated to cost £1bn, plans to ease congestion along the M4 in South Wales.

It is reported that the chancellor will be reviving the project, originally dismissed in 2009 due to funding, as part of the June spending review in a hope to improve economic growth.

Chancellor George Osborne said: ‘”By investing in the economic arteries of this country, we will get growth flowing to every part of it.”

However the new road has come under scrutiny as the Welsh Government discusses how the new road will be funded.

As plans reveal the new road may become the second tolled motorway in Britain many are asking the government to consider improving other forms of transport before considering an expensive toll road.

Matt Hemsley, a spokesperson for the transport charity Sustrans Cymru, said: “By making it easier for people to walk, cycle and catch public transport we can ease congestion, improve our health and save the economy billions.”

Others are worried a toll will in fact hinder the economic growth.

Financial Times journalist Mickey Clarke said: “The M6 toll in the Midlands hasn’t ever made any money. People won’t pay it.”

By Jazzria Harris

[Image courtesy of Gene Hunt]