A Northern Ireland man has opened up about his struggles while searching for a job after becoming unemployed, describing it as a knock on his confidence.
Andrew, who is 22 and from Craigavon, left education and was working in a number of roles, but nothing was long-term. He then worked in a coffee shop, but lost that job.
"After leaving education, it was difficult to find work and I had a couple of jobs but nothing long-term," he said.
"Eventually, in 2023, I started working in a coffee shop but when I lost that job, it knocked my confidence. The lack of self-belief that followed made finding work feel impossible. I was unemployed for around 10 months and was receiving Universal Credit to help make ends meet. I was applying for around five jobs a week and not hearing anything back – it was so demoralising."
After hearing about the Get into Retail programme, delivered by TK Maxx and The King’s Trust, Andrew decided to sign up. The programme aims to help young people gain work experience, build confidence and find sustainable employment.
He added: "The programme taught me a lot about working in retail and it made me feel like I could find a job again. It helped me improve my communication skills and it gave me the confidence to meet new people, something I’d found challenging when I was unemployed."
At the end of the programme, Andrew was successful in obtaining a permanent store associate role.
"Finding a job can be hard when you don’t have experience and, at the start of your career, it feels like you can be easily disregarded. The programme gave me on-the-job experience and made me realise that I have potential. To any young person struggling to find work, The King’s Trust is there to help."
Andrew shared his story as The King’s Trust TK Maxx Youth Index 2025 was released this week. It found that almost half (49%) of young people in Northern Ireland feel anxious about their future on a daily basis.
Being financially secure (52%), having their own family (35%) and owning their own home (23%) were the biggest goals in life for 16-25-year-olds in Northern Ireland, but over a quarter of 16-25-year-olds in Northern Ireland do not think they will ever have enough money to own their own home (28%), be financially stable (25%) or raise their own family (23%) . Similar numbers do not think they will be as successful as their parents or guardians (27%).
The Youth Index is an annual research report from The King’s Trust (formerly The Prince’s Trust) based on a YouGov survey of 4,285 16- to 25-year-olds across the UK, gauging young people’s confidence and happiness across a range of areas, from their physical and mental health to money and working life.
Over three quarters (77%) said having a job makes them feel confident about their future and gives them the financial stability they need (78%), but 44 per cent of 16-25-year-olds in Northern Ireland said they are worried about losing their job and not being able to find work. More than a third (40%) said there are no good job opportunities in their local area and over half (53%) are concerned they lack the skills, experience or qualifications to pursue the career they want. Almost two thirds (65%) are concerned these factors will stop them getting a job that is secure in the future economy.
Over a third of young people in Northern Ireland (39%) said that worrying about reaching their life goals had made their mental health worse.
Mark Dougan, Director of Delivery for Northern Ireland at The King’s Trust said: "The King’s Trust TK Maxx Youth Index research highlights the deep uncertainty many young people feel about their futures. In Northern Ireland, concerns about job security and career prospects are negatively impacting young people’s mental health and confidence in achieving their life goals. Too many young people fear they will never own a home or raise a family because they cannot access secure employment.
"It also finds that those not in work or education have the lowest overall wellbeing and confidence in their futures compared to any other group. Without urgent action, we risk a generation feeling locked out of accessing their potential and having stable and fulfilling lives."
Jo Murphy, European CR and Sustainability Director, TK MAXX, said: "We are incredibly proud to sponsor the Youth Index for the first time, as it aligns perfectly with our shared vision of empowering young people to achieve their potential. Our long-term partnership with The King’s Trust has transformed the lives of over 8,000 young individuals, across a range of programmes and initiatives, providing them with the confidence, skills, work experience, and job opportunities they need to overcome adversity and thrive.
"This year’s Youth Index sheds light on the immense pressures young people are facing today, from the lasting impacts of the cost-of-living crisis to the disruptions caused by the pandemic. By supporting this research, we aim to support The Trust in the quest to make a significant difference, enabling young people to navigate these challenging times with resilience and hope. We have witnessed first-hand the incredible potential of young people when they receive the right support.
"The majority of those who have participated in our programmes with The King’s Trust have flourished in their careers, including over 1,500 within our own business. Their drive, resilience, and determination inspire us, reinforcing our commitment to giving every young person—regardless of their background—the chance to build a brighter future."
More than three quarters of young people in Northern Ireland said they feel determined to achieve their goals in life (79%). Over a third (43%) report that help securing work experience opportunities, help with CV writing and interview skills (43%), training opportunities with employers which could lead to a job (40%), developing their confidence (35%), and improving their qualifications (27%) would be helpful for moving into work or taking the next steps in their career.
Mark Dougan, Director of Delivery for Northern Ireland at The King’s Trust added: "Despite these challenges, young people remain determined to succeed. They have the ambition and potential, and we must ensure they have the right support, skills, and opportunities to take control of their futures.
"It’s crucial that we work together as a society to help young people access the training and jobs they need, which will not only transform their lives, but support and benefit the local communities they live in and help drive the local economy."
The King’s Trust, formerly The Prince’s Trust, helps tens of thousands of young people each year to access the opportunities and build the confidence and skills they need to move into work. Last year, 73,000 young people benefitted from Trust programmes, including over 10, 000 in Northern Ireland, with three in four moving into work, education or training.
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