This report was commissioned by the Public Service Compact and compiled by iceni Productions Ltd. It offers an insight into the perceptions, views and understanding that young people have of the Public Sector. The research identified some interesting and unexpected responses to Public Service. This report and accompanying short film has been designed to help employers understand these perceptions, to position themselves as an 'employer of choice' for young people, and to ultimately attract a broader range of candidates to future vacancies.

The current profile of employers in the Public Service sector in Birmingham and Solihull shows an increasingly ageing workforce, while demographic change over the next 10-15 years indicates that the available labour pool will become younger and more ethnically diverse. This situation is exacerbated by the fact that young people do not look to the Public Service sector when considering future career options, aside from the traditional roles of policeman, firefighter or teacher.

This research underlines the importance of attracting employees from these groups to the Public Service.

Methodology

Young adults from a number of different backgrounds at local schools, colleges, universities, community organisations and places of work were asked for their views on the Public Service sector.

In total 100 young people aged 14-25 from Birmingham and Solihull were interviewed and asked to complete a questionnaire. The interview questions were based upon a previous Public Service Compact survey and the questionnaire was compiled with help from the Public Service Compact. The quantitative information from the questionnaires has been collated and is presented in the full report below. Every interview was recorded and the qualitative data transcribed with selected comments and responses included throughout the report.

From the initial interviews the research team identified 10 individuals of varying ages from a range of social and ethnic backgrounds, for more in depth discussions aimed at representing young peoples' attitudes to the Public Service sector. Their interviews were filmed and are presented in a short film.