Recent research has shown that young people with relevant work experience have the potential to earn £1,050 pa more than those without, representing a significant UK investment.

The Learning and Skills Council (LSC) report asked more than 400 UK employers what they looked for in trainees and more than 90% said work experience was key when they looked at CVs, to make their UK investment in new staff.

The LSC said employers could do more to create “aspirational” placements and that properly motivated young staff represented an excellent saving and investment opportunity for business.

Julia Dowd, the LSC’s director of learning, pointed out how crucial work experience is in today’s highly competitive workplace. “Not only does gaining practical work-based experience give young people an opportunity to see whether they are suited to a job, it also represents a good UK investment in their time as their pay packets will be bigger.”

Minister for skills, Phil Hope, added: “It is critical that all young people are given work experience opportunities as this allows them to make better decisions about their learning and employment paths.”

The LSC wants more employers to sign up to its Young Apprenticeships scheme, offering 16-24-year-olds on the job training  while being paid and making a contribution to UK investment via the employment market.