Social Market Foundation · 2024
This report develops and tests an "Assumed Knowledge Framework" covering five domains — the education system, career planning, job applications, workplace culture, and high culture — that disadvantaged young people need to navigate their transition from education to employment. Using AI-led qualitative interviews with 150 young adults aged 20–29 and a quantitative survey of 1,030 young people aged 15–21, the research finds that young people from lower socioeconomic backgrounds consistently have lower levels of assumed knowledge across all domains, as well as lower confidence in applying that knowledge. The report makes policy recommendations including embedding assumed knowledge in the curriculum, reforming careers guidance, expanding work experience, and improving interview and CV support for disadvantaged young people.