These challenges formed the backdrop to NOCN Group’s workshop at AELP Conference, where employers, training providers and sector leaders came together to discuss how they can better engage and support Generation Z.

Hosted by Laura Randall, Head of Business Development at NOCN Group and Ross Radford, Apprenticeship Quality Manager for NCG, the interactive session encouraged delegates to share experiences, challenge assumptions and discuss practical ways to engage the emerging workforce.

 

"Generation Z already accounts for around 27% of today's workforce."

 

Insights

The discussion began by exploring the challenges related to reaching Gen Z. No longer the workforce tomorrow, Gen Z makes up 27% of the current workforce.

Often characterised as the 'social media generation', with adolescence having been shaped by easy access to tech, Gen Z are also the product of the COVID-19 Pandemic. Across the entire generation, education and early employment have been affected in some way by the normalisation of online, work-from-home initiatives. Using online tools is part and parcel of their way of working.

They also want to see the results of their hard work, progress in their roles and seek value-led decision making. Career pathways are non-linear, with more flexibility and less loyalty to one set route forwards.

While these characteristics help explain how many young people approach work, delegates agreed that they also present new challenges for employers and providers.

 

Challenges in Practice

One of the key challenges when considering the Gen Z workforce is engagement and motivation. There was emphasis on desire for quick wins, and immediate results. When those expectations are not met, learners can become disengaged and unmotivated.

Another interesting point raised was regarding Gen Z's workplace readiness and professionalism. This was partially aligned with the work-from-home boom since COVID-19, an expectation that clashes with mandatory in-office contract clauses. Similarly, Gen Z are facing one of the toughest job markets in recent years, meaning entry-level roles are few and far between, and experience is tougher to get.

While there was debate on where behaviours stem from, there was general understanding that the fluctuation in the education system over the past few years has had a knock-on impact. Subsequently, there were questions raised regarding how the current education system is set up to equip young people with these skills before they reach employment.

The Gen Z outlook on career paths is important here. If there is refusal to change, young people will seek solutions elsewhere.

 

A Learner’s Perspective: Connie's Story

While much of the workshop focused on trends and perceptions surrounding Gen Z, attendees also heard directly from someone living that experience.

Connie, a Low Carbon Heating Technician apprentice at London South Bank Colleges, shared her journey into the industry, reflecting on the opportunities, challenges and motivations that have shaped her career so far. Her story offered a valuable reminder that every learner's experience is unique and that ambition, resilience and determination cannot be defined by generational stereotypes alone.

Watch Connie's story below to hear, in her own words, what inspired her to pursue a career in low-carbon heating and why creating visible pathways into the sector matters.

Watch the video:

Delegate Discussions

As part of the session, we asked attendees to engage with a series of prompts through interactive polling.

When asked about if Gen Z value apprenticeships, the answer was clearly positive. This is perhaps a result of recent questioning of the school to university pipeline, job prospects post-graduation and changes to the student loans system, which made higher education more accessible for people from lower-income backgrounds. Combined with increasing interest in flexible career pathways, apprenticeships are becoming an increasingly attractive option for many young people, offering the opportunity to earn while learning while gaining valuable workplace experience. Recent research found that 43% of young people identified "earning while learning" as a major attraction of apprenticeships.

Opinion was more divided when discussing engagement methods. There was a relatively neutral stance on whether digital methods were the most important in terms of engagement. Some delegates argued that understanding online methods has been important for a while, but the tools most used have evolved. On the other hand, other attendees argued for the importance of in-office attendance and face to face interactions in developing those soft skills that are harder to teach virtually.

Delegates were similarly divided on whether shorter attention spans represent a genuine workplace challenge, or whether they simply reflect changing ways of consuming information and communicating. The discussion reinforced that there is rarely a single explanation for learner engagement.

 

LiveDoodle

Throughout the session, illustrator Ozzy from LiveDoodle captured the discussion as it unfolded, creating a live visual summary of the themes, challenges and ideas raised by delegates. The illustration served as both a creative record of the workshop and a reminder of the breadth of perspectives shared throughout the session.

 

Looking ahead

Overall, one of the strongest messages from the workshop was the importance of avoiding broad assumptions about any generation. While common themes emerged throughout the discussion, every learner brings different experiences, ambitions and motivations.

Connie's story highlighted what can be achieved when learners are given the opportunity to develop, challenge expectations and pursue careers that matter to them.

The session also reinforced that supporting young people into employment is a shared responsibility. Employers, providers and educators all have a role to play in creating clear expectations, providing meaningful support and helping learners build the confidence and skills they need to succeed. As conversations around youth employment continue, collaboration across the sector will remain essential.