Young Britons turn to TEFL as UK job hunt stalls

Half of UK 16- to 29-year-olds have seriously considered moving abroad for work, according to new research from the John Smith Centre at the University of Glasgow. Students and graduates from The TEFL Org say teaching English overseas is giving them experience, confidence and a clearer route into work when UK opportunities are scarce.

Why it matters: - Young Britons facing a tough jobs market are looking overseas for their next step. - Teaching English abroad can offer work experience, confidence and a path into a different career. - New research suggests the pull of jobs abroad is strong among UK 16- to 29-year-olds.

What happened: - The John Smith Centre at the University of Glasgow found that half of UK 16- to 29-year-olds have seriously considered moving abroad to find work. - The poll highlights frustration among young people trying to start their careers. - Responses from UK students and graduates of The TEFL Org show how TEFL is being used as a fallback and a stepping stone. - The TEFL Org is the UK’s largest provider of TEFL training.

The details: - Beth, a UK graduate, said she struggled to find stable work for more than two years before starting to teach English in South Korea this summer. - Beth said she applied for more than 80 jobs in one month and received no reply. - Beth completed a TEFL qualification before taking the role abroad. - Beth said TEFL gave her a major confidence boost and helped her answer interview questions about teaching students with no previous English knowledge. - Isobel completed her TEFL qualification alongside an English degree after worrying about work prospects after university. - Isobel said the qualification made her feel her future was more open and reassured her that she could move abroad. - Andy Healy, managing director of The TEFL Org, said young people want to use their skills, gain experience and build a career, but unanswered applications and scarce opportunities are pushing them to look further afield. - Healy said teaching English abroad can provide a practical way to explore a different career while living and working in another country. - Healy said a TEFL qualification is a strong starting point, but jobseekers also need to understand the role, the employer and daily life in the destination country. - Healy said young people need clear information about the opportunities available today, the qualifications employers expect and the requirements for each destination. - The TEFL Org said the company was founded in 2008 and is based in Inverness. - The TEFL Org provides training for people interested in teaching English abroad and online. - The company included a full list of social channels in its release, including LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and TikTok.

Between the lines: - The findings point to a broader confidence problem for young workers who are finding it hard to get a first break in the UK. - TEFL is being framed not just as a travel option, but as a practical career bridge when local opportunities do not materialize. - The reference to possible future changes in the UK’s relationship with the EU underscores how mobility rules could shape career choices, but no change has been agreed. - Andy Burnham is considering options for Britain’s future EU relationship, including possible membership. - A future deal that made it easier to live and work in Europe could widen options for young people.

What's next: - TEFL Org is directing prospective teachers to more information about TEFL qualifications and teaching overseas. - Young people considering work abroad are being urged to research employer expectations and destination-specific requirements before moving. - Any change that eases overseas work would expand opportunities, but the current landscape remains unchanged.

The bottom line: - For young Britons shut out of the domestic jobs market, TEFL is emerging as a practical route to work, skills and mobility.