Employers should teach primary-age children about work, says Milburn
The author of a major report into youth activity in the UK says children as young as four should be learning about careers.
Employers should begin teaching primary-age children about work, Milburn says
Children ought to be introduced to the world of work at the beginning of primary school, according to the author of a major UK report on youth activity.
Former minister Alan Milburn says children as young as four should start learning about different careers, and that work experience placements should be compulsory for 14- to 16-year-olds.
Teaching unions, however, say primary schools are already under "significant pressure" and argue that practical issues must be addressed so every school can access support.
The latest figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) indicate that 981,000 people aged 16 to 24 in the UK were not in education, employment or training, known as Neet, between April and June 2026.
Milburn told the BBC: "in primary school, it's really about opening their eyes and giving them a sense about what is possible".
Even with a drive towards apprenticeships and work experience in Years 10 and 11, for many people the path to becoming Neet begins well before age 16.
Milburn therefore says children should be introduced to the world of work much earlier in their school life, with dedicated curriculum time to "broaden horizons".
He told the BBC this could be done by employers visiting primary schools to give talks and by offering taster sessions to children.
"It'd be good if employers came into schools and said, 'Look, this is what's going on, these are things that are possible.'"
Milburn says that for Key Stage 4 pupils, aged 14 to 16, experience must take place in a real workplace and include employer feedback.
The final part of Alan Milburn's review into Neets is due to be published this autumn
"Work experience needs to be mandatory. It makes a big difference," he told the BBC.
Milburn also stressed how hard it can be for some young people to secure work experience placements.
"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."
These proposals are set to appear in the final part of his government-commissioned report on the issue, which is expected this autumn.
Because education is devolved in the UK, Milburn's review examines the situation across all four nations, but his education recommendations apply only to England.
At present in England, careers guidance must be provided to pupils aged 11 to 18, and work experience is not statutory.
The government says its vision, external is to "guarantee two weeks' worth of work experience for every young person" in England.
In Scotland and Wales, career-based learning is already required in schools for children as young as three.
Emma, who has three grandchildren, says primary school is too young to focus on careers
Emma, from Kirklees, has grandchildren in Years 1, 2 and 4 and believes primary school is too early for careers talks.
"In primary school, there is too much trying to get little kids to grow up too quickly," she says.
"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."
Zoe, another parent, takes the opposite view.
"I think it's a good idea," she says. "It's something that everyone has to do, so if you learn early, it's something they don't have to learn later on."
Teaching unions have reacted positively to the idea of introducing career-based learning at a younger age, but they have warned about the strain this could put on primary schools in particular.
Paul Whiteman, general secretary of the school leaders' union National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT), warns of the "significant pressure" already 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 says.
Whiteman also points to the value of existing schemes such as "Primary Futures", which bring 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," Whiteman says.
Pepe Di'Iasio, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL), says having someone visit the classroom can really "enlighten [children's] motivation... and give them that sense of passion for all the opportunities beyond the classroom". He adds, though, that finding opportunities in rural areas could be more difficult.