8% of Young Adults Out of Work: Serve Legal’s Mission to Drive Change
Recent statistics outlined in ‘Youth Employment UK’s’ article paint a worrying picture, with the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) revealing that over 8% of 16-to-24-year-olds were not in education, employment, or training (NEET) as of late 2024.
Data from the 2024 Youth Voice Census shows that 3 in 5 young people experience anxiety, particularly during key transition points from education to work.
At Serve Legal, we are passionate about addressing these challenges by offering flexible, meaningful work opportunities that support young people in building their skills and confidence.
Opening Doors with Auditor Roles
Getting a foot on the career ladder can be daunting, especially when many entry-level roles require prior experience or specific qualifications. Serve Legal aims to break down these barriers. Our auditor roles are open to individuals aged 16 and over, requiring no prior experience, qualifications, or access to a vehicle. This approach makes it easier for young people to gain valuable professional experience early on while earning an income and developing essential workplace skills through independent auditing.
Encouraging Progression
Serve Legal is committed to fostering career progression. An impressive 78% of our internal staff began their journey with us as auditors. We’re proud to see our young talent grow and thrive within the company, advancing step by step with dedicated support and development opportunities.
Notably, all three of our directors started as auditors at 18, progressing through the ranks to now form 60% of our senior management team. Their journeys exemplify how Serve Legal nurtures talent, offering clear pathways for advancement.
Apprenticeships and Training Opportunities
We believe in investing in our people. Full-time staff at Serve Legal have access to tailored training opportunities, ranging from management and leadership courses to apprenticeships that enhance both practical and theoretical skills. Serve Legal fully funds these programmes, allowing team members to study on the job and earn qualifications that will benefit their career journey.
The Serve Legal Foundation
Established in 2023, the Serve Legal Foundation is dedicated to supporting young people in their career and personal growth. One of our first beneficiaries, former auditor and marketing executive Cat, received financial support to complete her master’s degree while working part-time at Serve Legal. Alongside funding, she was offered a secure role post-graduation, with opportunities for continued career development.
Since 2023, we have reshaped the foundation to support a wider group of beneficiaries. The Serve Legal Foundation now offers scholarships and funding for training opportunities that go beyond employees current roles within Serve Legal, encouraging team members to explore areas of interest within the company, such as data qualifications for operations staff.
We also continue to invest in our auditors through the foundation, planning for 2025 to be the year that we deliver training in essential skills such as time management, organisational skills, and professional communication. Participants will earn certificates of completion, recognising their achievements and helping them thrive in their roles and future careers.
A Mission to Make a Difference
As society and the economy continue to evolve rapidly, so too does the nature of employment. During this period of change, it is essential to remain supportive and flexible in accommodating the needs of young people. At Serve Legal, we are proud to go above and beyond to provide a range of opportunities tailored to every individual.
We strive to ensure that meaningful work is accessible to all, regardless of background, education, or circumstances. By supporting every career from the very first step, we aim to empower the next generation to succeed and thrive in an ever-changing world.
We are proud to play a part in addressing the challenges faced by young people today. As the statistics highlight, there is much work to be done, but we’re committed to making a positive impact.