Working the holiday can open world of opportunities

Equipping the next generation with the workplace skills to succeed and thrive is essential – and yet the percentage of young people working while studying has more than halved, falling to 18 per cent in 2014 from 42 per cent in 1997.

This decline has seen a cultural shift, with young people increasingly focused solely on education and training before moving into the world of work. Yet, as we enter this post-brexit era, I want to make sure that young people are as prepared as ever for the workplace and I want to ensure the merits of summer jobs are recognised.

My first summer job was waitressing at a restaurant in Covent Garden while I was at university, and I had an absolute ball. I was new to London, and in one fell swoop my job gave me a wage and a social life. It had a lasting impact on my career, too, not just through the skills I gained but also the people I met. I was studying law but, encouraged by the people I came into contact with, instead of going to the Bar after graduation, I went to the BBC as a graduate trainee. I had never considered a job in the media before, as no one I knew worked in the field. But my summer job opened my eyes to a new world of opportunities.

Working alongside studying has many benefits beyond providing additional cash in your pocket. Part-time and summer work can complement, not compete with, education. That’s why, today, I’m launching a summer jobs campaign to make the case for part-time, Saturday and summer jobs.

It’s not too late for those interested in getting a place this summer. There are more than 20,000 adverts for jobs that businesses are looking to fill right now, and we’re making it easier to apply for them by launching a new dedicated search tool on Find a Job – our jobsearch website – linking summer jobseekers with employers. From working in Center Parcs to working in a pop-up bar at a concert, there’s something out there that everyone can enjoy.

I’m not suggesting a summer job is a dream job for life. But I firmly believe it is connected to having a successful future. It allows people to build on what are commonly known as “soft skills” – but what I see as essential skills. They can help people develop their customer service and problem-solving skills, build their resilience and attitude to work, as well as improve time management and the ability to juggle different priorities. You can see the demands that exist within a workplace and, indeed, get an understanding of what is expected at work.

And the benefit is seen by employers, too. Part-time jobs are an excellent way to gain experience, a factor which 66 per cent of employers say is important when recruiting. Those who combine “earning and learning” are less likely to be NEET (not in education, employment or training) five years later than those just in education, and they are also likely to earn more than those just in full-time education, with evidence showing a premium of 12-15 per cent.

Summer jobs are a great way to put you on the path to develop these skills, sample a potential career and help set you up for whatever comes next. Have a go – that’s what I tell everyone I meet – because you don’t know where it will lead. I certainly didn’t. follow Esther Mcvey on Twitter @Esthermcvey1; read more at telegraph.co.uk/opinion