Career Advice

Putting Young People First in the Search for Meaningful Work

5 May 20266 min read

Written by: Frankie Brookton, Founder, inyourroots®

Written forYoung PeopleEmployersParentsEducators

Youth unemployment in the UK remains a major challenge, with over 11% of young people aged 16–25 struggling to find jobs that truly fit their skills and ambitions.

But for us at inyourroots®, this journey has always been about more than just “solving unemployment.” It’s about giving every young person the confidence, control, and real opportunities to pursue what they dream of - not just what’s available.

The Problem with the Status Quo

There are plenty of companies and platforms out there trying to fix youth unemployment. But after interviewing thousands of young people for entry-level roles, one thing is clear: most feel like they’re stuck on the sidelines. They’re often ghosted by employers, forced to apply for dozens of jobs with little feedback, and left feeling like they’re not good enough.

Too many end up in roles that don’t match their strengths or interests - just to tick a box or because that’s what the system expects.

And the numbers paint a stark picture:

Over 40% of young people in the UK say their jobs don’t utilize their skills or match their interests.
1 in 5 are underemployed, wanting more hours or more meaningful work.
Regional youth unemployment remains high: 10–13% in Hertfordshire, Essex, and Suffolk.

But the real cost is personal.

When young people are pushed into the wrong jobs, it leads to stress, lost confidence, and years of job hopping… often without ever discovering what really motivates them.

Research shows that young people in mismatched or underemployed roles are 2.4 times more likely to leave their job within a year, starting the cycle all over again. And more than 60% of workers aged 18–24 regret their initial career choices, often wishing they’d had more guidance or support to find a better fit.

Why Purpose and Fit Matter

We spend more time at work than we do with our families, friends, or even our pets. That’s why finding a role that fits isn’t just a nice-to-have, it’s essential.

Gallup found that 70% of people who feel disengaged at work report higher stress and more health problems. When work doesn’t feel meaningful, it impacts everything: confidence, wellbeing, and even long-term happiness.

But there’s good news:

When young people find work that matches their strengths and values, everything changes.

According to McKinsey, 70% of Gen Z and Millennials say their sense of purpose is defined by their work.

Those who feel their job aligns with their values are four times more likely to report high life satisfaction. They’re also more productive, more resilient, and much less likely to burn out or leave their employer.

Giving Power and Confidence Back to Young People

We believe it’s time to flip the script. inyourroots® is built for young people, not just businesses.

Our mission is to empower every candidate and first-job seeker to take control of their own journey, discover their unique strengths, and have the confidence to pursue whatever they’re dreaming of - whether that’s a local apprenticeship, a creative role, or starting their own business.

We can’t just leave it to schools, government, or employers to give young people confidence.

The current system too often lets them down. That’s why we’re building something truly different: a strengths-first, skills-based platform that puts candidates in the driver’s seat.

Our AI-powered matching platform is designed to help you understand where you shine - not just what’s on your CV. We limit spammy applications and put an end to ghosting by ensuring every opportunity is a genuine match.

We want to give control back to candidates and first-time job seekers. It’s not just about filling vacancies; it’s about helping people discover what they’re capable of, and giving them the tools and support to go after it.

Growing Communities and Local Economies…Together

inyourroots® isn’t business-first; we’re people-first.

We know that strong local economies are built when the best local businesses connect with the right people. That’s why we’re focusing in Hertfordshire, Essex, and Suffolk - on real communities, not faceless corporations.

We want to see young people thrive in roles that matter to them, and help small businesses grow with fresh talent that’s truly invested.

Our vision is an inclusive, accessible job market where every young person has the tools, support, and confidence to shape their own future and where businesses benefit from motivated, purpose-driven team members.

The Honest Truth: We’re Still Learning

We’re still early in our journey, and honestly, we don’t have all the answers yet. There are days when we wonder if it’s even possible to change a system that’s left so many young people behind. But we’re not going to let that stop us.

We believe that if you care enough, listen enough, and keep showing up (even when it’s hard) you can build something that makes a real difference.

We might not get everything right the first time. But we’re committed to trying, learning, and growing with you. Because the only way things change is if people are brave enough to try.

The Journey Ahead

We’re still at the beginning, but we’re listening, learning, and building a platform with, and for; real people.

Our mission is to help you find not just any job, but the right job.

Because when you’re in the right role, you don’t just work, you grow, you thrive, and you make an impact on your community.

A Note from Frankie, Founder of inyourroots®

*“Building inyourroots® has been about listening to young people - really listening. I’ve seen too many talented, passionate individuals lose confidence because the system wasn’t built for them. We’re here to change that. We’re not just helping you get a job; we’re helping you find your place, your purpose, and your people. Let’s sow our skills and harvest our futures - together.”*

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