With nearly one million young people not in education employment or training (NEET), how can public and private sector come together to unlock potential and build a stronger job-ready young workforce?
Youth disengagement and unemployment is a growing crisis in the UK. Nearly one million young people are not in education, employment or training (NEET), with recent findings revealing that 16.1% of those aged between 16 and 24 are currently out of work, the highest rate in more than 10 years.
This new initiative is designed to engage young people before they reach this critical point. Starting in Year 8, students who have been identified using the Risk of Becoming NEET Indicators (RONI) as the most likely to become NEET are invited to take part in multiple workshops and interventions throughout their education until Year 11.
The programme includes leading employers and volunteers from a variety of backgrounds running workshops and off-site activities to show young people the variety of rewarding and interesting careers that are out there.
With a focus on exciting opportunities and experiences, the programme seeks to improve attendance and engagement, which in turn unlocks attainment and changes outcomes.
Young people most at risk of becoming NEET in future
Multi-year programme with opportunities to volunteer at three or more activities
Shaping Our Future works best when a multi-academy trust is partnered with one or more local employers.
We look for schools and trusts that can commit to a multi-year programme and employers that can support for at least three workshops. This helps to create continuity in the programme and develop engagement and trust. Through long-term commitments we can see real impact in the short, medium and long-term.
This programme is exactly the kind of proactive, real-world support that young people need, especially those who may not have access to professional networks or industry insight at home.
We’re proud to be part of a partnership that is not just observing the NEET crisis, but is actively doing something to change it.
Mubs Mahmed BEM, Social Value Manager at First Bus
OBJECTIVE
We risk losing a generation of young people to unemployment and low attainment. This in turn would have a disastrous impact on sectors, talent pipelines and the wider economy. We’re turning ambition into action, convening employers who recognise the severity of this issue and providing frameworks, activities and practical support for them to take action. At a time when young people face increased pressures from social media and a changing workplace due to AI, this programme builds confidence and unlocks potential so that young people enter the workforce ready to succeed.
Taking part in Shaping Our Future helps your organisation to:
This collaborative programme relies on the support and commitment of employers, volunteers, teachers and schools. Together we can build more coherent pathways from school into work and support young people to develop the skills and behaviours to thrive in their future careers.
