As the latest GCSE results are released, research from employer Serco reveals that Generation Z are placing purpose above pay when choosing a career, and while many see defence as meaningful work, the sector must do more to attract young talent.
The survey found just 31 percent of Gen Z ranked a competitive salary among their top three job priorities, compared with 55 percent of all working-age generations. By contrast, more than three quarters (77 percent) of Gen Z said an employer’s purpose and mission are important, and of those, the same proportion said they had left or would leave a role that no longer reflected their principles. This compares to 65 percent across all generations.
With the ongoing geopolitical upheaval, defence is proving attractive, with 62 percent of Gen Z believing the sector offers opportunities for meaningful, purpose-driven work. More than six in ten (61 percent) said they would be very interested in spending part of their career seconded to the Defence Enterprise, which is a broad term for any employer, private or public in any sector, that touches the world of defence. The idea is that people could switch between a career in one sector to career in the Defence Enterprise and then move back, as part of a zigzag career.
However, only 52 percent feel their skills are suited to a defence career, and fewer than half (48 percent) believe it would provide the flexibility and work-life balance they expect.
Doug Umbers, managing director of Serco’s UK Defence business, said: “Students receiving their GCSE results today are aware of the geopolitical climate we live in and it is heartening that so many of them would consider a career in defence and keeping the nation safe.
“Our data shows that what motivates younger people is also changing. Purposeful work, an opportunity to see the world, and a chance to develop skills clearly matter most to young people, and the Defence Enterprise can deliver on all these things.
“But as an industry, defence needs to do better at explaining the opportunities and careers available… as they look to embark on the next stage of their lives.”
