Concerns for young people dubbed 'coronavirus generation' for finding future employment

There are concerns that young people across the West Country will struggle to find future employment

There are concerns that young people across the West Country will struggle to find future employment due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Students across the country have missed work experience weeks, been unable to sit exams and not had the chance to talk to teachers about career advice.

With more people being made redundant and businesses shutting down, they fear there are less jobs out there than before the pandemic.

In Yeovil, a group of students have told ITV News they are 'concerned' about their future.

In Yeovil, a group of students have told ITV News they are 'concerned' about their future.

Jessica Davidson said, "I've sort of been thrown off a bit about what I want to do with my future because I've not had the chance to be talking to my teachers and careers counsellor.

"I've not been in school learning so I've not got as much information as I could have done about my future."

Others say that are not worried.

One project at Buckler's Mead Academy in Yeovil says it's optimistic that opportunities will be available locally.

The project aims to help students prepare for the workplace.

Tim Yeates, Assistant Headteacher at Buckler's Mead Academy said, "The best that we can do, and have been doing, is making sure that those provisions are there.

"That students are aware that there is support out there and that we're doing the best we can to mitigate any of these lack of opportunities at all."

One of the organisations involved is one of the biggest employers in the area.

The Taunton-based UK Hydrographic Office is the country's agency for providing marine data.

Leaders there have reassured young people about their job prospects.

Tamsin Hodge, Products Manager at UKHO said, "I can understand that they may be concerned about the future and the future is evolving every day as we speak.

"There's obviously concerns about job losses in certain job sectors but other businesses have been able to grow and adapt and really harness the opportunities that Covid-19 brings."

It's hoped that the work being done can ensure young people are given every chance to succeed.