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# Behind the numbers: What local students really want from employers
- URL: https://www.ipswich.co.uk/behind-the-numbers-what-local-students-really-want-from-employers/
- Published: 2025-05-07T07:00:46.000Z
- Updated: 2026-03-16T15:12:49.000Z
- Description: A comprehensive survey of 270 Year 12 and 13 students reveals work experience, financial prospects, and clear progression paths are crucial to retaining young talent in Ipswich.
- Author: Oliver Rouane-Williams
- Tags: News, Business, Further Education, #article, One Sixth Form College, #Import 2026-03-16 14:45

**Why it matters:** Nearly half of local students would stay in the area for higher salaries and financial incentives, while 45% want more job opportunities – insights that could help address local talent retention challenges.

![One Sixth Form College](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/1e/291e4b7f-e551-4458-b546-61963954b22f/content/images/2026/03/1746570142-one-sixth-form-college-2.png)

One Sixth Form College (One Sixth Form College)

**The big picture:** Findings from the student-led research project were presented at a recent business networking breakfast by [One Sixth Form College](https://www.ipswich.co.uk/tag/one-sixth-form-college/) students Elia Palmer and Jess Dam, providing businesses with direct insights into what motivates young people's career choices.

**By the numbers:** Students identified three main ways businesses could better support them:

- 77% of students (209 respondents) identified providing more work experience opportunities as their top request from businesses
- 55% (148 respondents) wanted hands-on project opportunities54% (147 respondents) sought transparent job application processes
- 47% cited higher salaries and financial incentives as key to keeping them local
- 32.7% strongly agreed that competitive salaries and benefits could attract and retain young talent
- 33.1% strongly agreed that clear progression opportunities were important

**What's next:** Current plans after sixth form show 36.7% of students are aiming for university, 25.9% for apprenticeships, 12.9% are planning a gap year, and 9% are heading directly into full-time work.

When deciding their next steps after sixth form, students ranked passion and personal interest first, followed by salary prospects, work-life balance, job stability, and career progression opportunities.

**The bottom line:** For businesses looking to attract and retain young talent in Ipswich, the research provides clear direction: create more work experience opportunities, offer competitive financial packages, and ensure clear career progression paths.

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