Redefining Readiness: How We Should Be Preparing Young People for Work

Hello Future Force community!!

"Are they work-ready?" It's a question we hear all the time from employers, recruiters, and even schools. But what does work-ready really mean? Is it about knowing how to send an email? Showing up on time? Understanding workplace jargon?

At Future Force, we think the concept of being work-ready is about a deeper understanding of how a work place environment works. Expecting young people to arrive in the workplace already shaped, skilled, and polished can put pressure on them. But let's be honest: when did that ever describe anyone on day one of their career? The term "work-ready" suggests there's a universal standard young people should meet before they're worthy of employment. But in reality, every business is different, every role is unique, and most learning happens on the job.

By framing readiness as a pre-condition, we risk sidelining those who don't fit the mould-especially those from underrepresented or disadvantaged backgrounds. We also miss a critical truth, it's not readiness that matters most, it's willingness. Willingness to learn, grow, contribute, and adapt. What We Should Be Asking Instead of "Are they work-ready?" we should be asking:

Is this an environment where someone can learn and Thrive?

Do we have the tools to develop people, not just recruit them?

Are we investing in the right support systems to nurture potential?

These are the questions that shift the responsibility from the young person to the ecosystem around them-including education providers, employers, mentors, and industry bodies.

At Future Force we’re reframing readiness, we don't look for polished resumes or perfect interview answers. We look for curiosity, commitment, and character. Our job is to work with businesses to build readiness, not expect it. Our apprenticeships are supported throughout their experience, we work with businesses to ensure they have  environments where learning is encouraged, working with them to ensure they have the skills and knowledge before starting and heling the business to put frameworks in place to continue the support. We Pair young people with mentors who've walked the path before them, Equip employers to support growth, match them with training providers aligned with their industry and business needs, so skills match real demand. This isn't just about ticking boxes. It's about building a workforce that's resilient, skilled, and deeply engaged.

 If we're serious about tackling the UK's skills shortage, and latest research shows it's reaching critical levels, then we must rethink how we judge talent. Let's stop expecting "readiness" and start creating workplaces that are ready to develop people. Let's stop waiting for perfect candidates and start shaping the future ourselves.

At Future Force, we believe that talent is everywhere, it just needs the chance to grow.