EDT convenes North East of England leaders to address region’s NEET challenge

Chaired by our CEO, Sarah Farquhar, the event explored what is already working, what needs to change, and how we can collectively strengthen pathways into employment for young people and adults in the North East.

It brought together leaders who were passionate about doing things differently in the region, from organisations including Sunderland City Council, Hays Travel, Nissan, The King’s Trust, Education Partnership North East, and many more. We were proud to welcome Sunderland City Council CEO, Patrick Melia OBE, to the discussion, as well as Hays Travel’s CEO, Dame Irene Hays.

At 17.5%, the North East's rate of young people not in education, employment or training (NEET) is the highest in the UK, significantly above the national average of 13.5%. This makes the region an important place to understand both the barriers to employment and the solutions that can help more people into work.

The roundtable discussion was grounded in two pieces of research: our new report, What works in adult employability and careers support? Insights from the North East, and focus group research conducted by Public First with NEET young people aged 17 to 23.

Roundtable participants agreed that the research reflected what they were seeing across the region. People rarely experience barriers in isolation, and their journeys into work are seldom straightforward. Transport, health, finances, confidence, and access to consistent support can all affect whether someone can take the next step.

Starting support earlier

One of the clearest messages from the roundtable was that careers support needs to begin well before young people reach the age of 16.

Attendees discussed the need to help young people connect their interests and learning with real occupations, while giving them a clear understanding of the different routes available. Academic, technical, and vocational pathways should all be presented as valuable options.

Participants also highlighted significant differences in the quality and resourcing of careers provision between schools. Although strong practice exists, careers responsibilities are too often added to an existing role without sufficient time or resources. We heard a clear call to make careers education, information, advice, and guidance a properly valued part of school life.

Making work experience work for everyone

It was agreed that the current model of work experience needs to change. Access to placements can depend too heavily on the organisations a school already knows, creating inequalities between schools, communities, and individual young people.

Participants shared examples of closer, longer-term relationships between schools and employers that had led directly to apprenticeship opportunities. However, these approaches often required considerable effort and creative use of funding.

Helping employers create opportunities

Employers have a vital role to play, but they also need accessible support. Smaller businesses can find it difficult to navigate funding, identify training providers, and provide the pastoral support that apprentices and young recruits may need.

We discussed the importance of developing routes that reflect the North East’s labour market, including opportunities in services, health and education. Participants also highlighted effective approaches, such as pre-employment programmes that prepare young people for the realities of work and induction programmes delivered jointly by colleges and employers.

Transport emerged repeatedly as another significant barrier. In some rural areas, limited bus services restrict access to work experience, training, and employment. Small, flexible interventions, such as help with the cost of a bus pass, can determine whether someone is able to accept an opportunity. Support must therefore be available within local communities, not only in city centres.

Building a more connected system

The roundtable highlighted many examples of strong local practice. Our shared challenge is to connect them.

Education and employment support should form one continuous pathway from school into adulthood, rather than operating as separate systems. This requires clearer responsibilities, better information-sharing, and funding that allows people to access support across transition points.

We will now explore how we can work with partners to take forward the priorities raised. These include:

• developing shared standards for employability support
• creating a common language across sectors
• establishing clearer pathways
• providing flexible support that people can return to when they need it.

The North East already has strong partnerships and a commitment to collaboration. By building on these foundations, we can create a more connected system that helps more people move towards secure and fulfilling work.