Policy papers, Research reports
Jul 2025
Towards Universal Opportunity for Young People
Presenting evidence-informed recommendations to drive investment and targeted government action
Overview
We partnered with the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) to support this research report exploring structural barriers limiting opportunities and social mobility in the UK. It has a focus on marginalised young people, particularly those who are not in education, employment or training (NEET).
Drawing on a nationally representative poll of 3,603 people, focus groups with young people, and a review of high-quality existing evidence, the report presents a holistic new approach: universal opportunity.
Key insights
- Enrichment, extracurricular activities and trusted adult relationships are associated with better education and employment prospects. Our polling found that 29 per cent of young people aged 18–24 did not participate in extra curricular activities while at school. This was even lower among NEET young people.
- Fewer than half (47%) of young people aged 18-24 polled said they felt ready for work when they left education. This was even lower among NEET young people.
- Over three in four (77%) of people polled agree that young people under the age of 25 should have the highest priority access to apprenticeship opportunities.
Recommendations
The report identifies three priority areas where a more joined-up national policy effort across the UK Government’s opportunity mission, youth guarantee and national youth strategy, could help unlock opportunity and increase the number of young people who are earning and learning:
1. Expanding access to enrichment, extracurricular activities and trusted adult relationships
Read more about 1. Expanding access to enrichment, extracurricular activities and trusted adult relationships- Introduce an enrichment entitlement of a minimum of 80 hours per year in the most disadvantaged areas.
- Trial after school clubs in secondary schools in the highest deprivation areas.
- Pilot Young Futures Hubs in areas of high deprivation.
2. Strengthening readiness and opportunities for good work
Read more about 2. Strengthening readiness and opportunities for good work- Expand the Youth Guarantee as soon as possible to include young people aged 21 to 24.
- Introduce a national Risk of NEET indicator (RONI) database using latest guidance.
- Offer employment placements, not just employment support, via a wage subsidy scheme.
- Consider ringfencing a very small percentage of the Growth and Skills Levy to increase investment in careers hubs.
- Collaborate across government departments (Department for Education, Department of Work and Pensions and Department for Business and Trade) in consulting employers, educators and young people to adopt a clear definition of high-quality work experience.
3. Improving access to high-quality apprenticeships for skills and growth
Read more about 3. Improving access to high-quality apprenticeships for skills and growth- Set a target for apprenticeship starts by 2035
- Ringfence 50 per cent of the Growth and Skills Levy funding for those under the age of 25 and 25 per cent of that to those under the age of 21.
- Work to introduce an Apprenticeships Guarantee in the next parliament so that apprenticeships are available for anyone who wants one aged 16 to 24.
- Introduce an interest free apprenticeship maintenance loan scheme.
- Consider levy funds use on pre-apprenticeship pathways and programmes.
Methdology
The report is informed by:
- a nationally representative poll of 3,603 people aged 16–75
- Insights from youth focus groups conducted in April 2025 with our Future Voices Group, Connected Futures Ambassadors and Building Futures Youth Advisory Group
- A literature review from UCL’s CEPEO
- Expert roundtables held in London and Manchester
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