Outdated career advice fails to match today’s job market, says Higherin co-founder

Oliver Sidwell, co-founder of Higherin, said many young people feel frustrated and unheard as they are still being given outdated career advice from parents and teachers. 

Students said they are often told to “just walk in and hand in your CV” or that university is the only route to a well-paid job.

Data from the UK Parliament showed 735,000 people aged 16-24 were unemployed from February to April 2026, up from 109,000 in 2025. 

Sidwell said: “The younger generation are feeling stuck and unheard, especially when their parents are telling them to simply walk into an office and ask if they are hiring. 

“Times have changed, jobs are limited and the number of applicants are at a record high.

“The statistics show how young people are struggling more than ever before.”

Sidwell added: “They are overwhelmed by information and outdated advice. 

“But even when they do everything right, there’s no guarantee it will lead to a job.