A new report highlights the failures of early careers. It shows that one third (29%) or graduates and apprentices quit within three years.
The Smarty Train is a UK-based consultancy that specializes in people and learning. The study, released by The Smarty Train reveals that nearly three quarters (74%) are unable confidently to demonstrate the true ROI of their early career initiatives. The study also showed that despite knowing the ROI data and the average cost of hiring a graduate, which is more than £3200 per person, the vast majority (91) still struggle to demonstrate it.
Three more trends were revealed in the UK’s early career provision, according to data collected from UK and international firms for 2025 Early Careers Trends Report by the consultancy.
Diversity, equality, and inclusion (DE&I), as well as ROI and attrition issues, was identified as the main barrier to recruitment. Most early career leaders highlighted it as their biggest challenge.
Leaders reported that their teams lacked critical skills. They cited data analytics, strategic planning, change management, and influencing skills as areas where practitioners lacked skills.
The report also revealed that line managers in early career need more support. Nearly half (46%) said there is room for improvement when it comes to the training of new graduates by line managers.
Khairunnisa Mohamedali, chief innovation officer at The Smarty Train, said: “As organizations across the UK and abroad contend with talent shortages and evolving workforce expectations as well as fierce competition for top talents, discovering that a quarter of the early career cohort leaves before the three-year point should alarm industry leaders.” The current tight labour markets means that demand exceeds supply.
She stated that the benefits of investing early in career development are obvious: from addressing skill gaps and fostering inclusion and diversity, to improving employee engagement and retention, as well as building a pipeline for talent, which delivers a true return on investment.
Mohamedali said, “We hope that this report is a first of its kind and will inspire new ideas as well as equip leaders with the practical tools to optimize their Early Careers functions.”
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