If work experience is key to lowering NEET levels, what can employers do to help?

More than one million young people across the UK are currently NEET (not in education, employment or training). On top of this, almost half of British teenagers remain uncertain about their future careers. 

In the wake of the Milburn Review, these statistics have rocked the general public, however for those working in the training and education sector it’s nothing new or surprising. 

The transition between education and work has remained a hot topic for years now, with many saying that the skills we learn in school should better align to those needed within the workplace. Alan Milburn’s recent review echoed this, warning that the UK risks creating a ‘lost generation’ if we didn’t strengthen this transition. In short, too many young people are leaving education without the confidence and experience work provides. 

In response to this, Education and Employers published its Work Experience: Past, Present and Future report, highlighting that young people with high levels of employer engagement while still in education are 80 per cent less likely to become NEET than those with the least exposure.  

The report also found that four in five schools still expect pupils to arrange their own work experience placements, meaning opportunities are often determined by family contacts rather than ability or individual drive. This is wholly unfair and yet remains the norm. For real change to happen, and for social mobility to improve, access to workplace learning must be accessible to all regardless of postcode or personal connections. 

Even if a learner is unsure of the career path they will eventually embark on, spending time in the workplace gives young people valuable insight into different careers while helping them develop confidence, communication skills and an understanding of professional expectations.  

While week- or two-week long work experience is a beneficial taster, it can only achieve so much. Life-changing opportunities come when work placements become part of a wider journey into employment.  

That is where work-based learning has its important role to play. 

At ACT, we see the benefits work-based learning has, not just on individuals, but businesses and the wider Welsh economy. Whether a learner is exploring their first career, rebuilding confidence or developing skills for a specific industry, practical experience combined with traditional learning creates opportunities that classrooms alone can’t always provide. 

The conversation around youth employment often focuses on schools, colleges and training providers, but employers have an equally important role to play. 

Across Wales, skills shortages continue to affect businesses of all sizes, placing pressure on productivity, growth and workforce wellbeing. The solution to this is investment in young talent and developing a workforce for the future. 

That’s why ACT created the Employer Pledge, helping businesses across Wales offer meaningful placements to young people on its Jobs Growth Wales+ programme. 

The pledge removes many of the barriers that can discourage employers from offering placements. Businesses receive support throughout the process and learners are paid through the programme. This means that employers can simply focus on developing a young person’s confidence and the skills they need to succeed; helping them to become a valued member of their team. 

The impact of these partnerships is already being seen across Wales. Since its launch in the autumn of last year, more than 80 employers have signed the pledge, offering work to fresh talent who might not have been given the opportunity otherwise.  

Sarah Bruton, Managing Director at Caerphilly-based Captiva Spa, was amongst the first employers to collaborate with ACT and offer placements within her organisation. 

“Rather than complaining about [the skills] gap, we thought ‘why not be part of the solution?’” she said at the time. “We’ve seen learners grow massively in just a few months. Their communication improves, their confidence grows, and they become genuine assets to the business.” 

At ACT, our advisers work closely with both learners and employers throughout every placement, ensuring businesses feel supported while helping young people gain as much as possible from the experience. For many learners, these placements become the first step towards apprenticeships, further training or permanent employment. 

As the report highlights, early employer engagement improves confidence, broadens aspirations and significantly reduces the likelihood of young people becoming disengaged from education or employment. But if we are serious about reducing the number of young people who become NEET, we need stronger partnerships between education, employers and training providers. Work experience should form part of a wider journey into work, giving young person the opportunity to develop the skills, experience and confidence needed to build a successful career. 

By opening their doors to young people, employers are offering much more than just a work placement. They’re also investing in future talent, strengthening their own workforce and helping build a more skilled future for Wales. 

If you would like to learn more about the Employer Pledge and offering an opportunity to a learning, you can visit the ACT Employer page here.