Education & Employers Research Digest
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Education and Employers
Research Digest - April 2025
Full summaries of all publications contained in the Digest are available by clicking the link embedded titles.
We are always looking to promote the work of others in related fields. To share your publications, conferences, events, or blog posts with our network please email: research@educationandemployers.org
In case you haven’t seen it, our free, searchable online library of research from around the world is available here: Research Library
PUBLICATIONS
Building bridges between higher education and employment: learning from practically-based HE
Natasha Kersh, Katherine Emms, Andrea Laczik and Joe Latimer
The report found that universities are actively incorporating personal career planning into their employability strategies, with a strong focus on supporting students from underprivileged backgrounds. For example, mastering video interview techniques, and embedding relevant technical qualifications within programme delivery allows students to graduate with not only academic credentials but also industry-relevant skills.
Lost boys: state of the nation
Centre for Social Justice
This study reports that more than four in ten agree that society does not value traditional masculine values, such as courage, resilience and competitiveness. At the same time, half of 18-24 men say that men are too often shown by the media as “a bit pathetic”.
From competition to coordination: rethinking post16 education and training in the UK
James Robson, Yushan Xie, Mariela Neagu, & Susan James Relly
The report examines current skill needs and shortages in each industry, assesses the extent to which E&T provision aligns with employer demands, and highlights other related sectoral and industry-specific challenges. Young people reported that their E&T experiences and their work placements did not support their mental health needs and special educational needs, and that neurodiversity was not being appropriately accommodated in E&T and labour market settings.
Good adult career guidance international case study evidence
Jo Hutchinson & Tristram Hooley
The report covers findings of a project designed to get a better understanding of what good career guidance for adults looks like internationally. The scope of the project explored adults out of work who wanted to work, and adults who were working but faced issues, and therefore wanted support to move to different employment.
Transforming learning and skills development in Africa: 2nd continental report
UNESCO
This report focuses on identifying and learning from promising and evidence-based solutions to improve education and skills development outcomes. This report aims to contribute to efforts to accelerate Africa’s progress towards Continental Education Strategy for Africa (CESA) and SDG 4’s objectives and targets and to inform the development of the CESA 2026-2035 by clearly identifying promising responses to the most pressing challenges and by providing practical recommendations that synthesise the critical common characteristics of successful solutions.
Digital employment pipelines for refugees: a systematic review
Shuting Xia & Lorraine Charles
This report examines the nuances of each digital employment pipeline and the intermediary facilitation mechanisms. It contributes to the broader literature on labour market inequalities, the gig economy, and the integration of marginalised communities into the digital workforce. It exposes the hidden challenges faced by refugees in navigating digital work opportunities and underscores the importance of collaborative, multi-stakeholder efforts to foster an inclusive and equitable digital economy
COMMENTS
Soft skills play a critical role for the employment of engineers
Moneeza Baig, Yasir Ahmad
EVENT
We believe no child should be constrained by stereotypes or the expectations of others. We know that if young people hear firsthand about the world of work, they work harder, get better grades and are more likely to break down barriers.
They should have the chance to start as early as possible, and that is why we launched the national I am #InspiringTheFuture campaign.
Any views expressed in the publications featured in this newsletter are those of the authors and do not reflect the views of Education and Employers.
