Supporting Young People Not in Education, Employment or Training (NEET)

Young people not in education, employment, or training (NEET) represent a significant challenge for the UK in 2025. With NEET rates steadily climbing since the COVID-19 pandemic, it is crucial to address the barriers holding young people back and to explore solutions that empower them to pursue education, employment, or training opportunities. This article provides a comprehensive overview at the NEET landscape, the pressing factors contributing to these statistics, and practical strategies to reduce the issue.

The Current Picture of NEET Young People in the UK

The latest Labour Force Survey (LFS) estimates highlight a concerning rise in young people aged 16 to 24 who are not in education, employment, or training (NEET). Between October and December 2024, 987,000 young people were NEET, representing 13.4% of this age group.

• Young men continue to have higher NEET rates at 14.4%, compared to 12.3% for young women.
• The 18 to 24 age group is particularly affected, with 15.8% of this demographic identified as NEET. This age group accounts for 907,000 NEET individuals, up 90,000 from the previous year, primarily driven by declines in employment opportunities.

The data highlights a concerning trend of rising NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training) individuals among young people, particularly in the 18 to 24 age group. This increase underscores challenges in accessing education and employment opportunities, which may have far-reaching implications for economic stability and social development.

15.8% of 18 to 24-year-old young people are identified as NEET

The growing proportion of NEET individuals indicates a pressing need for targeted initiatives and policies to address barriers and create pathways for young people to engage in productive activities.

Why Are so Many Young People NEET?

There is no singular cause for high NEET rates; instead, various interconnected societal, economic, and personal factors contribute to this issue. Some of the most prevalent factors include:

Lack of Suitable Employment Opportunities

Young people in certain areas face limited availability of jobs that provide appropriate pay, progression pathways, or relevance to their skills and aspirations.

Social Disadvantage

Socioeconomic inequality puts certain young people at an inherent disadvantage, making it harder for them to access education or jobs.

Low Aspiration Levels

A lack of belief in future opportunities can make education or employment unappealing.

Lack of Parental Understanding or Support

The world of work has changed significantly, often leaving parents and carers unable to support young people with practical advice and strategies that support them to engage in work or education.

Mental Health Challenges

More than 1 in 6 NEET young people report battling mental health problems, which can significantly hinder their ability to engage in work or education.

Health Conditions

Young people with health conditions or disabilities may face additional barriers to accessing education or employment opportunities.

Lack of Accessible Opportunities

Many young people, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, may not have access to the same opportunities as their peers. This can be due to a lack of resources, connections, or information about available work or educational opportunities. As a result, they may find it difficult to break into certain industries or fields, making it harder for them to secure employment or pursue training.

School Absence and EBSA (Emotionally Based School Avoidance)

Persistent absenteeism and anxiety-driven school avoidance early on severely impact young people's educational outcomes and their readiness to transition into work or higher education.

Being a Young Carer

Those who care for a loved one often find it hard to dedicate time and energy to their own education or career.

Care Leaver Challenges

Young people leaving care frequently lack the support networks others rely upon to make a successful transition into adulthood.

Systemic and Societal Changes to Reduce NEET Rates

While individual support is necessary, broader systemic and societal changes are required for meaningful long-term reductions in NEET rates:

Create Local Opportunities

Regional investment is needed to bring more meaningful employment and training opportunities closer to disadvantaged areas.

Invest in Education Reform

Schools must be better equipped to prevent student disengagement early on and actively address absenteeism.

Promote Inclusive Workplaces

Employers need incentives and resources that help them to understand the needs of NEET young people. This includes supporting employers to foster workplaces where those with mental health challenges, caring responsibilities or diverse educational paths can thrive.

Strengthen Social Policies

From enhanced social security measures to expanded housing support, ensuring young people’s basic needs are met is foundational to enabling long-term engagement with work or study.

Offer Flexible Training and Employment

Remote or part-time opportunities can be game-changers for young people constrained by caregiving duties or mental health pressures.

Provide Opportunities for Upskilling

For those who have already left school or are unable to get a job, providing opportunities for upskilling is crucial in helping them gain the necessary skills. This can induce employability skills development programmes and pre-apprenticeship pathways with employers.

Provide Employability Skills Development Programmes

• These programmes can help NEET young people develop the necessary skills and knowledge to enter the workforce. This can include resume writing, interview skills, time management, teamwork, and communication.
• Such programmes also provide opportunities for hands-on experience through internships or job shadowing, which can help build confidence and increase employability.

Pre-Apprenticeship Pathways with Employers

• Pre-apprenticeship programmes are designed to prepare individuals for apprenticeships in specific trade industries. These programs often include classroom instruction as well as on-the-job training.
• By partnering with employers, pre-apprenticeship programmes can offer participants valuable work experience and connections that may lead to future employment opportunities

Supporting NEET Young People by Reducing Psychological Barriers

In addition to addressing systemic barriers, it is also important to address individual-level factors that may contribute to NEET status. This can include providing access to mental health support, career coaching and guidance, life skills and financial literacy education. Here are some effective strategies:

Ensure Access to Mental Health Support

Providing affordable, accessible mental health services tailored to young people is key to helping them overcome psychological barriers to employment, education or training.

Build Confidence and Motivation

Programmes that boost self-esteem, improve life skills and soft skills, and reignite hope for the future are essential for NEET young people.

Provide Personalised Careers Advice and Guidance

Tailored careers advice can help NEET youth identify pathways that align with their personal goals and leverage their strengths. If Careers Advice and Guidance is combined with coaching, it can tackle some of the psychological barriers that cause young people to be NEET.

Coaching as a Solution for NEET Young People

One highly effective intervention for preventing or reducing NEET is coaching. Coaching not only guides young people in identifying their goals but also supports them to develop a range of practical strategies to overcome their barriers, develop wellbeing and support their mental health. Here’s how coaching helps:

Encourages Self-Discovery

Coaching prompts young people to reflect on their aspirations and recognise their strengths. This supports them to build the confidence necessary to engage or remain in work or education.

Builds Essential Employability Skills

Coaches help develop soft skills like communication, action planning and problem-solving, which are key to success in work, training or education.

Develops Resilience  and Coping Strategies

Young people can face a lot of challenges in their personal and professional lives. Coaching equips them with tools to cope with stress, setbacks, and obstacles they may encounter along their employment or training journeys.

Provides Personalised Support

Each NEET young person has unique needs and goals that require personalised support. Coaches work closely with individuals to create tailored plans that address their specific concerns.

Strengthens Relationships

Coaching can also improve communication and relationships between NEET young people and their peers, parents or guardians, teachers, and employers. This leads to healthier connections and better teamwork.

Provides Accountability

Having a coach empowers young people to stay focused and accountable for their personal growth, motivation and career progress.

Learn More About Supporting NEET Young People

At Worth-it, we specialise in coaching solutions designed for NEET young people, using evidence-based practices that yield measurable results.

Are you interested in using coaching to support NEET young people? Take the first step today:

• Access our Free Introduction to Coaching Young People Course to understand how coaching can transform lives.
• Apply for our Accredited Youth Coach Training to master the art and science of coaching young people into education, employment, or training.

Together, we can help more young people break free from the NEET cycle and unlock their full potential.

References

ONS 2025