NEET crisis: nearly 1m young people locked out of work and learning

Almost 957,000 young people aged 16 to 24 across the UK, 12.8% of that age group, are not in education, employment or training (NEET), according to the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics. 

In the West Midlands, 12.3% of young people are still not “learning or earning,” marginally better than the national average but still a significant concern.

Summer jobs programme

Now in its third and final year, the Summer Jobs Programme, run by leading national youth charity UK Youth, is seeking employers across the West Midlands to offer paid work placements to young people aged 16 to 20 who face barriers to employment or are at risk of violence. 

Each participant receives support from a dedicated youth worker throughout their placement.

Previous participants have included local charities, public sector organisations and national high street brands. Employers benefit from fresh perspectives, workforce diversification and opportunities to develop staff leadership and mentoring skills.

Making a difference

One participating employer said the experience was “incredibly rewarding”, adding that a young person’s confidence “grew week by week.”

A young participant said the programme had helped them communicate and listen “a lot better.”

Thora Eberts, UK Youth’s Director of Network Delivery, said the programme “can change the trajectory of a young person’s life.”

Employers must register their interest by May 16 at ukyouth.org​​​​​​​​​​​​

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