As concern grows about the number of young people not in education, employment or training (NEET), we need to look beyond what happens when they leave school and examine the barriers they may have faced long before.
The national debate about youth employment rightly focuses on qualifications, skills, training and opportunities for work. But are we paying enough attention to what happens earlier in a young person’s education?
For some, disengagement begins years before they leave school. Persistent absence, unmet special educational needs, emotional barriers to attendance or a lack of appropriate support can gradually undermine confidence, achievement and aspirations.
Not every young person who becomes NEET has struggled at school, and the causes of youth unemployment are complex. But if we want to improve outcomes, we need to understand where and why young people lose their connection with education, and what could prevent that from happening.
Identifying barriers and acting earlier
When a learner struggles to attend or participate in education, we need to ask why.
Is the learning environment meeting their needs? Are additional support or reasonable adjustments required? Could a more flexible approach help them remain engaged?
These questions need to lead to action, before difficulties become prolonged periods of absence or disengagement.
For some learners, live teacher-led online education can provide the structure, flexibility and support needed to re-engage, work towards qualifications and rebuild confidence. For others, different interventions will be more appropriate.
The priority must be finding the right response for each learner and maintaining their access to education.
Connecting education with future opportunities
Keeping young people engaged in learning is essential, but it is only part of the answer.
We also need stronger connections between schools, alternative provision, further education, training providers and employers, ensuring that young people understand their options and receive appropriate support as they progress.
For 30 years, Nisai Learning has worked with learners who need a different approach to education. Our experience reinforces the importance of identifying barriers early, providing flexible educational options and helping learners develop the skills and confidence to take their next steps.
“Addressing the youth employment crisis requires better connections between education, training, government and business. No single organisation or approach can provide all the answers, but we undoubtedly need to intervene earlier, before young people lose confidence in their ability to succeed. And, crucially, we need to work together to identify and implement the right solutions so that no child is left behind.” Dhruv Patel, Founder and CEO of Nisai Learning
The question we should all be asking now is: what happens to young people before they reach the point of leaving education without a clear next step? And what can we do differently to change that outcome?
Further reading: BBC News – Burnham says youth employment and training crisis is a ‘moral failure’
