EDT and CET partner to prepare young people for the world of work

Thanks to generous funding from CET (The Commercial Education Trust), EDT is updating the Industrial Cadets Framework to embed workplace attitudes and behaviours into the skills and competencies young people will develop when they complete an Industrial Cadets programme accredited at Silver, Gold, or Platinum level. This refresh will help tens of thousands of young people to prepare for the world of work.

With 52% of UK employers saying that young people entering the workforce are generally not ‘job ready’, and one of the most significant challenges identified being that young people don’t always know how to behave in professional settings, this work comes at a critical time. Building on existing insight from CET and their partners, we’ll be engaging employers and young people to ensure that the updated framework meets the needs of both, helping to bridge the gap between the expectations of employers and those of young people entering the workforce for the first time.

Julie Feest, CEO at EDT and Industrial Cadets said: “Everyday I meet young people who have a huge amount to contribute to the workforce –passion, skills, and the fresh perspectives we need to tackle societal challenges. More needs to be done to make sure that they have the opportunity to develop the attitudes and behaviours that will enable them to thrive in the workplace from day one. We’re incredibly grateful to CET for supporting this work and look forward to working with them, our network of industry partners and employers, and young people, to ensure that the Industrial Cadets Framework continues to lead the way in supporting young people to be job ready.”

Mahad Ali, Executive Director at CET said: "At CET, we’re committed to helping young people develop the skills, attitudes and behaviours employers value most. Refreshing the Industrial Cadets Frame work will ensure they are confident, capable and ready to thrive in the workplace.”