There were 843,000 young people in the UK who were not in education, employment or training (NEET) between April and June 2016. While this is a welcome decrease on previous years, there is still much to do to ensure young people recieve an education which fully prepares them for the world of work, and prevents them from being unemployed from an early age.
Research has shown it is possible to identify which children are more likely to become NEET upon leaving school, yet too little is done to intervene early enough.
We recommend the use of highly-trained coaches to give these children personalised and consistent coaching and mentoring, to overcome the issues which increase their likelihood of becoming unemployed. This can include support with GCSE choices, careers advice, contacts with local services and businesses, and help with personal issues which may be affecting their studies.
We welcome that the Department for Work and Pensions has piloted placing Jobcentre advisors in schools to support this approach. We would encourage the Government to build on this good work by ensuring that this support is rolled out across the country, using the best of the public and voluntary sector to transform the life chances of these children.
CSJ Report: The Journey to Work: Welfare reform for the next Parliament
CSJ Report: Closing the Divide: Tackling educational inequality in England