This paper explores the opportunity to enhance the role of trusted adults within the systems change response required to address the UK’s complex NEET challenge.
Of the nearly 1 million young people not earning or learning, around 600,000 are economically inactive and therefore disconnected from mainstream employment services.
Through collating available research and evidence together with the voices of young people and case study examples from our partners, the paper surfaces the potential of trusted adult relationships to identify, reach and engage those furthest from the system – and connect them into evidence-based interventions.
Insights from two Youth Guarantee Trailblazer areas illustrate how youth sector provision can be leveraged to target employment and skills support towards harder-to-reach inactive young people.
A trusted adult gave me the confidence to thrive in employment, guiding me throughout the process of a supported internship that helps adults with special needs get into work. During exams, she was always there to provide extra support, ensuring I understood the questions, had extra time when I needed it and making arrangements like a separate room.
Jacob - Future Voices Group Ambassador
A growing evidence base suggests that trusted adult relationships – with youth workers, teachers, mentors, and other practitioners – are critical interlockers to:
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Evidence and research on youth employment
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