Latest news with #NEETs
Yahoo
15-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Free electrical and plumbing sessions for young people announced
A Pudsey-based vocational training provider is offering free hands-on electrical and plumbing sessions to young people. Building Futures Together (BFT) is running the programme this summer for 14 to 19-year-olds, with the aim of boosting the youngsters' employability and providing insight into a career in construction. John Thornton, managing director and co-founder at BFT, said: "Almost a million young people aged under 25 are categorised as NEETs, not in education, employment, or training, so it is more important than ever that we create pathways and provide opportunities to boost their employability. "The aim of our summer programme is to give students insight into a career in construction, unlock their potential through hands-on learning, and provide a productive way to spend their time during the holidays." Funded by Leeds City Council, the sessions will take place at BFT's training centre throughout July and August. Sessions will run on July 23, 25, 30, and 31, and August 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21, 27, and 28, from 10am to 2.30pm. Attendees can take part in one, two, or all 12 sessions. Each day is limited to 15 places. To register interest, contact John Thornton at More information about BFT is available at
Telegraph
12-07-2025
- Business
- Telegraph
Young people want to work. Yet we are stopping them
In my industry, I meet countless young people full of energy and potential. Hospitality has always offered opportunities for those who are ambitious, practical and determined to get ahead – particularly those spurning university to get straight into the jobs market. But more and more, I hear the same frustration from employers: it's getting harder to bring young people into the workforce and keep them there. This isn't because young people don't want to work. It's because we've created an environment that makes it incredibly difficult for them to start. Nearly one million young people are now not in education, employment or training (NEETs). This is an economic disaster, but it is also a profound waste of human potential. Above all, it is a failure in policy. Because while the Government talks a good game on growth, the reality is it is building an environment at odds with young people's natural desire to get on and succeed. Take the benefit system. I was shocked to read in new research from the Centre for Social Justice (CSJ) that by 2026, someone out of work due to anxiety, receiving both Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment, will receive more than £25,000 a year. A full-time worker on the national living wage, meanwhile, will take home only around £22,500 after tax. This is not a criticism of those receiving support. The fault lies ultimately with a benefits system that, however well-intentioned, now too often rewards economic inactivity and traps people in dependency. It can't be right that some interviews with potential claimants are now done online and over Zoom. We must not forget that the ultimate goal of welfare should be to provide hand up not a handout. The problem is being compounded by short-sighted policies. Recent increases in National Insurance have raised costs for employers – especially in labour-intensive sectors like hospitality – and made it harder to create and sustain jobs. Hospitality has been hit hardest: since April, almost 70,000 jobs have been lost, reversing a gain of 18,000 last year. Add to that talk of more tax rises, and we risk sending a clear message to young people: effort doesn't pay, and enterprise isn't welcome. We've been here before. In the 1970s, Britain learnt the hard way that punishing work and subsidising idleness leads to stagnation and decline. Today we face a similar moment. If we want a dynamic, outward-looking economy again, we need to restore the link between work and reward. That means rebalancing the benefits system. The CSJ's proposals to tighten eligibility for long-term sickness claims based on less severe mental health conditions, using the savings to reinvest in NHS therapy, would be positive step in the right direction. Another idea is to use the saving to bring in tax relief for employers taking on NEETs. What better way to ameliorate the effects of the NICs rise for businesses, solve our inactivity problem and help thousands more young people reap all the financial and mental health benefits a job? The scheme would more than pay for itself, the CSJ finds, in added value to the economy. We cannot allow young people to drift, unsupported, when they could be building careers, confidence, and lives of purpose. A modern economy should reward ambition, support those who fall on hard times, and help people into meaningful work. For Britain's young people, there is no time to lose.
Scottish Sun
03-07-2025
- Business
- Scottish Sun
How young people can boost chances with ways out of AI-fuelled job dilemmas
Almost a million young people aged under 25 are categorised as being NEETs — not in employment, education or training SUNEMPLOYMENT How young people can boost chances with ways out of AI-fuelled job dilemmas THE number of entry-level jobs suitable for school and college leavers has dropped dramatically. They have plunged by almost a third since ChatGPT was launched in November 2022, as more firms begin to use AI for basic tasks. Advertisement 4 Brandon Tattersall was out of work for 16 months when he lost his job at Currys Credit: Supplied Already, almost a million young people aged under 25 are categorised as being NEETs — not in employment, education or training. But while firms complain of a skills shortage, unlocking the potential of jobless youngsters could plug the gap and turbocharge economic growth. Youth Employment Week begins on Monday and will see charities, social enterprises and youth workers come together to highlight the enormous potential of the UK's younger generation. Here are some of the best to help you . . . Advertisement MOVEMENT TO WORK is a not-for-profit coalition of major UK employers aiming to break the 'no work experience, no work' cycle. Employers including Accenture, BAE Systems, Barclays, Centrica, Diageo, Marriott, M&S, Tesco and Salesforce have signed up to offer work experience to NEETs. Applicants do not need formal qualifications. After Brandon Tattersall lost his job at Currys he was out of work for 16 months. Advertisement But with help from his social worker, he secured a placement at BAE Systems through Movement to Work and was offered a job with the firm. Now 26, Brandon is an HR data analyst. He said: 'The programme didn't just offer a placement — it gave me the skills and interview practice needed to feel prepared for future applications and gain the real work experience employers ask for.' Disability benefit explained - what you can claim Movement to Work CEO Sareena Bains said: 'In the face of rising youth unemployment and economic inactivity, removing barriers to work has never been more critical.' See or contact info@ Advertisement As a dad at the age of 14 and a grandfather at 35, Alex Hughes has faced struggles in his life. But he is now one of the country's leading social entrepreneurs, running youth work placement specialists Alex said: 'I would love to see society treat young people as contributors, not problems to fix. "We need to stop seeing youth unemployment as a charity issue and start treating it like a national economic priority.' Advertisement Through targeted careers coaching and locally focused work experience, Alex has helped 10,000 young people into jobs, training and community work in Cambridgeshire and he has plans to roll out the programme across the country. He is also calling for employers to recognise what many NEET people have experienced. He added: 'If someone's navigated homelessness, debt, care or trauma, they have the resilience and resourcefulness many employers want.' YOUTH EMPLOYMENT UK offers careers advice and free online training for young people, including virtual work experience with big-name companies. Advertisement There is also local support and the chance to explore individual employers. You can find out more at 4 The number of entry-level jobs suitable for school and college leavers has dropped dramatically Credit: Getty Top tips UNEMPLOYED and feeling out of luck? Here are Alex Hughes' top tips to help . . . 1. You are not the problem. The system is messy, and it often makes you feel like you are failing. You just haven't found your space yet. 2. Find your people. Surround yourself with those who listen and look out for you. Whether it is a youth group, a mentor or a local hub. Community changes everything. 3. Try something that feels too small to matter. A one-day event. A volunteer role. Saying yes to a random opportunity. That tiny move might be your big unlock. Just consider how this experience will help you develop yourself. 4. Turn rejection into redirection. Every 'no' is fuel. Take it as a sign you are trying and that means you are already further than most. 5. Ask for help, loudly or quietly. There are people and places who are built to back you. Don't suffer in silence. You are not alone. 6. Dream big then take one step. You don't need a ten-year plan. You need a reason to get out of bed this week. One step is enough. Then another. Then another. 'ROLE AT GP SURGERY HAS BOOSTED MY FINANCIAL HEALTH' WHEN you are young with a learning disability or autism, finding a job can be even more challenging. Advertisement But supported internships are proving one of the most effective ways for people to show off their skills to potential employers. 4 DFN Project SEARCH is a charity that has helped young people like Juned Ali Credit: Supplied DFN Project SEARCH is a charity that helped more than 4,500 young people gain work experience last year, with structured study programmes for school and college leavers aged 16 to 24. The national charity works with young people who have an Education, Health and Care Plan. Advertisement It aims to increase the employment rate for youngsters with special educational needs and disabilities, with 63 per cent of trainees going on to employment. One of the programme's top success stories is Juned Ali, from London. Juned, who has a mild learning disability, did a placement at Queen Mary University of London. He now has a role as a GP's co-ordinator and administrative assistant. Advertisement He said: 'DFN Project SEARCH has completely changed my life. At first, my mum was reluctant about me starting the supported internship, but when she saw how well I was doing, she was proud. 'Now, I earn my own money. I don't have to ask my family for things, like I did when I was younger. I can just go out and get it. I kick-started my career from the age of 18, and I'm thriving. 'I'm 20 years old, and my goal is to keep progressing in my career, work towards higher roles and, someday, get married.' Kirsty Matthews, CEO of DFN Project SEARCH, said: 'We see young adults with a learning disability, who are autistic, or both, demonstrate their talents and capabilities every day.' Advertisement Jobspot PICK up a retail role. ALDI is recruiting 1,000 people, with roles from cleaners to managers. See And B&M Stores has more than 80 jobs going including in security and management. See SWERVE BURNOUT WITH HOL 'HOLIDAY hoarding' is a growing issue, as two thirds of staff now fail to take half their annual leave by the middle of the year. HR experts have designated this week as the peak for burnout, with staff becoming ill through lack of time off. 4 Charlie O'Brien, of Breathe HR, shares her advice for tacking holiday hoarding Credit: Supplied Charlie O'Brien, of Breathe HR, shares her advice for tacking holiday hoarding. Advertisement 1. Reflect on why you are holiday hoarding. Are you leaving it late when it comes to booking holidays? Is your workload preventing you from taking a break? Or are you worried about what your employer might think if you take all your leave? If it is a workplace culture or workload issue, talk to your manager. We are all entitled to take our holiday and our employer should not make us feel guilty about doing so. 2. Book time off – even if you don't end up going away. We need regular breaks from work to give us time to relax, reset, and show up as our best selves at work. Advertisement 3. Make a plan to 'holiday hack'. Maximising annual leave is really important. Be savvy about when you book leave, and plan ahead to spread your holidays through the year. Look at least a year ahead and make the most of the bank holidays to stretch your leave even further. 4. Try microbreaks. Getting the dates booked is the first step to holding yourself accountable and giving yourself permission to take the regular breaks from work you are entitled to. 5. Assess why you are carrying over holiday to the next year. It's fine if it is planned, but it shouldn't be happening by accident. Cost of teenage try-outs A LACK of money is holding back millions of young people from accessing work experience, research says. The AAT study reveals 41 per cent of 14 to 18-year-olds have less than £8 per day to spend on work experience-related costs such as travel, food and suitable clothing. Meanwhile, almost a third of employers say increased operational and staffing costs are affecting their ability to pay work experience students or cover expenses. To help, AAT has teamed up with Springpod to launch virtual work experience into the sought-after accountancy sector. AAT boss Sarah Beale said: 'Too many young people are locked out of early career experiences simply because they don't have the opportunities or right connections. 'That's a clear barrier to social mobility, and one we are determined to break down.' Apply for work experience at Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme - Sun Club.
The Sun
03-07-2025
- Business
- The Sun
How young people can boost chances with ways out of AI-fuelled job dilemmas
THE number of entry-level jobs suitable for school and college leavers has dropped dramatically. They have plunged by almost a third since ChatGPT was launched in November 2022, as more firms begin to use AI for basic tasks. 4 Already, almost a million young people aged under 25 are categorised as being NEETs — not in employment, education or training. But while firms complain of a skills shortage, unlocking the potential of jobless youngsters could plug the gap and turbocharge economic growth. Youth Employment Week begins on Monday and will see charities, social enterprises and youth workers come together to highlight the enormous potential of the UK's younger generation. Here are some of the best to help you . . . MOVEMENT TO WORK is a not-for-profit coalition of major UK employers aiming to break the 'no work experience, no work' cycle. Employers including Accenture, BAE Systems, Barclays, Centrica, Diageo, Marriott, M&S, Tesco and Salesforce have signed up to offer work experience to NEETs. Applicants do not need formal qualifications. After Brandon Tattersall lost his job at Currys he was out of work for 16 months. But with help from his social worker, he secured a placement at BAE Systems through Movement to Work and was offered a job with the firm. Now 26, Brandon is an HR data analyst. He said: 'The programme didn't just offer a placement — it gave me the skills and interview practice needed to feel prepared for future applications and gain the real work experience employers ask for.' Movement to Work CEO Sareena Bains said: 'In the face of rising youth unemployment and economic inactivity, removing barriers to work has never been more critical.' See or contact info@ As a dad at the age of 14 and a grandfather at 35, Alex Hughes has faced struggles in his life. But he is now one of the country's leading social entrepreneurs, running youth work placement specialists Alex said: 'I would love to see society treat young people as contributors, not problems to fix. "We need to stop seeing youth unemployment as a charity issue and start treating it like a national economic priority.' Through targeted careers coaching and locally focused work experience, Alex has helped 10,000 young people into jobs, training and community work in Cambridgeshire and he has plans to roll out the programme across the country. He is also calling for employers to recognise what many NEET people have experienced. He added: 'If someone's navigated homelessness, debt, care or trauma, they have the resilience and resourcefulness many employers want.' YOUTH EMPLOYMENT UK offers careers advice and free online training for young people, including virtual work experience with big-name companies. There is also local support and the chance to explore individual employers. You can find out more at 4 Top tips UNEMPLOYED and feeling out of luck? Here are Alex Hughes' top tips to help . . . 1. You are not the problem. The system is messy, and it often makes you feel like you are failing. You just haven't found your space yet. 2. Find your people. Surround yourself with those who listen and look out for you. Whether it is a youth group, a mentor or a local hub. Community changes everything. 3. Try something that feels too small to matter. A one-day event. A volunteer role. Saying yes to a random opportunity. That tiny move might be your big unlock. Just consider how this experience will help you develop yourself. 4. Turn rejection into redirection. Every 'no' is fuel. Take it as a sign you are trying and that means you are already further than most. 5. Ask for help, loudly or quietly. There are people and places who are built to back you. Don't suffer in silence. You are not alone. 6. Dream big then take one step. You don't need a ten-year plan. You need a reason to get out of bed this week. One step is enough. Then another. Then another. 'ROLE AT GP SURGERY HAS BOOSTED MY FINANCIAL HEALTH' WHEN you are young with a learning disability or autism, finding a job can be even more challenging. But supported internships are proving one of the most effective ways for people to show off their skills to potential employers. 4 DFN Project SEARCH is a charity that helped more than 4,500 young people gain work experience last year, with structured study programmes for school and college leavers aged 16 to 24. The national charity works with young people who have an Education, Health and Care Plan. It aims to increase the employment rate for youngsters with special educational needs and disabilities, with 63 per cent of trainees going on to employment. One of the programme's top success stories is Juned Ali, from London. Juned, who has a mild learning disability, did a placement at Queen Mary University of London. He now has a role as a GP's co-ordinator and administrative assistant. He said: 'DFN Project SEARCH has completely changed my life. At first, my mum was reluctant about me starting the supported internship, but when she saw how well I was doing, she was proud. 'Now, I earn my own money. I don't have to ask my family for things, like I did when I was younger. I can just go out and get it. I kick-started my career from the age of 18, and I'm thriving. 'I'm 20 years old, and my goal is to keep progressing in my career, work towards higher roles and, someday, get married.' Kirsty Matthews, CEO of DFN Project SEARCH, said: 'We see young adults with a learning disability, who are autistic, or both, demonstrate their talents and capabilities every day.' SWERVE BURNOUT WITH HOL 'HOLIDAY hoarding' is a growing issue, as two thirds of staff now fail to take half their annual leave by the middle of the year. HR experts have designated this week as the peak for burnout, with staff becoming ill through lack of time off. 4 Charlie O'Brien, of Breathe HR, shares her advice for tacking holiday hoarding. 1. Reflect on why you are holiday hoarding. Are you leaving it late when it comes to booking holidays? Is your workload preventing you from taking a break? Or are you worried about what your employer might think if you take all your leave? If it is a workplace culture or workload issue, talk to your manager. We are all entitled to take our holiday and our employer should not make us feel guilty about doing so. 2. Book time off – even if you don't end up going away. We need regular breaks from work to give us time to relax, reset, and show up as our best selves at work. 3. Make a plan to 'holiday hack'. Maximising annual leave is really important. Be savvy about when you book leave, and plan ahead to spread your holidays through the year. Look at least a year ahead and make the most of the bank holidays to stretch your leave even further. 4. Try microbreaks. Getting the dates booked is the first step to holding yourself accountable and giving yourself permission to take the regular breaks from work you are entitled to. 5. Assess why you are carrying over holiday to the next year. It's fine if it is planned, but it shouldn't be happening by accident. Cost of teenage try-outs A LACK of money is holding back millions of young people from accessing work experience, research says. The AAT study reveals 41 per cent of 14 to 18-year-olds have less than £8 per day to spend on work experience-related costs such as travel, food and suitable clothing. Meanwhile, almost a third of employers say increased operational and staffing costs are affecting their ability to pay work experience students or cover expenses. To help, AAT has teamed up with Springpod to launch virtual work experience into the sought-after accountancy sector. AAT boss Sarah Beale said: 'Too many young people are locked out of early career experiences simply because they don't have the opportunities or right connections. 'That's a clear barrier to social mobility, and one we are determined to break down.' Apply for work experience at
Zawya
18-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
#YouthMonth: Why South Africa's just energy transition needs young people, township entrepreneurs?
South Africa's shift towards a sustainable and green economy is underway, but for many young people, especially those in under-resourced communities, it remains a foreign language. While policy frameworks and investment plans gain momentum, the reality back on the ground tells a totally different story: the youth are eager to contribute but often lack the knowledge, access or support to step into this evolving space. To close this gap, we need targeted efforts that enable and empower them with relevant skills, open entry points and treat their inclusion not as a side project, but as central to the energy transitions' success. While it's often framed as the solution to multiple crises, the green economy's credibility hinges on one question: Is it being taken seriously by all stakeholders or is it just a gimmick? Filling the skills gap According to the Q1 2025 Quarterly Labour Force Survey, 45.1% of young people aged 15–34 are Neets (Not in Employment, Education or Training). Among 15–24 year-olds, the Neet rate sits at 37.1%, slightly higher for young women (37.5%) than men (36.7%). At the same time, the green economy is projected to generate over 250,000 jobs by 2030, many of which will require new technical, digital and soft skills. Yet, a significant portion of our youth are unaware of what these jobs look like, what skills are needed, and how to access them. The challenge and opportunity lie in connecting young people to these emerging roles. We have seen first-hand that green skills aren't only for engineers or scientists. They include a broad range of capabilities from solar PV installers and energy efficiency auditors to project managers, community liaisons, digital platform managers, and operations and maintenance technicians. Learners like Skhumbuzo Maseko from the Vaal, whose story reflects the untapped potential lying dormant across townships and rural areas. Skhumbuzo, who once felt his life was stalled, now confidently installs and maintains solar PV systems. He says: "I initially studied Metallurgy at university and have been unemployed since. I never thought I'd be working in renewable energy. I didn't even know it was an option. Today, I see a future I want to be part of." But good intentions alone will not bridge the gap between potential and progress. To build a green economy that is inclusive and enduring, we must challenge ourselves with hard questions: Are we funding the right programmes? Are youth voices being heard in strategy rooms? Are we designing real pipelines and pathways from training to employment, or just ticking boxes? Making change in these four ways - Curriculum reform and localisation TVET colleges and high schools must integrate green skills into existing curricula and do so in a way that is localised and practical. Youth should be taught not just about global climate goals but also be inspired to come up with innovative solutions which speak to their current community needs. - Public-private partnerships with purpose Public and private partnerships are essential in progressing the just in the energy transition. By deepening collaboration and co-creating youth-centred programmes, these partnerships can accelerate meaningful impact and ensure that efforts translate into lasting opportunities for young people. - Digital equity With the rise of e-learning and remote work, digital skills have become non-negotiable. Yet only 8% of rural households in South Africa have access to the internet at home and 66.3% on mobile devices, according to Icasa's latest report. Bridging this gap is key to making green jobs accessible to all. - Mentorship and storytelling Exposure is powerful. When youth see people like themselves succeeding in green careers, it reshapes what they believe is possible. Mentorship, community role models, and platforms like podcasts, local radio and YouTube can go a long way in shifting mindsets. We also cannot overlook the perception gap. While some stakeholders champion the green economy, others still treat it as a fringe sector or a tick-box for ESG compliance. If we're to shift this mindset, we need more data-backed investment, community buy-in, which includes simplifying the language and technical jargon as well as political will. More than a buzzword Ensuring that the green economy is inclusive requires deliberate action. We can start by making accredited training accessible in townships and rural areas, advocating for gender equity in hiring practices, and recognising the importance of youth participation, especially in small-to-medium enterprises, not as a symbolic gesture, but as a vital contribution to shaping the future of the sector. Green skills are not a buzzword; they are the currency of a sustainable future. We know it can be done, because we've seen it in learners like Mapaseka Mathobisa, from Bloemfontein, who received training and secured a job at one of the leading commercial and industrial companies in the energy sector. Her story is not an exception. It should be the norm. To truly answer whether the green economy is genuine or gimmick, we must look at who it serves and who it leaves behind. If we place youth, particularly those from marginalised communities, at the centre of our strategy, the green economy becomes more than a plan. It becomes a promise fulfilled.
