UK youth employment: Funding and outdoor education proposed to tackle NEET numbers

The United Kingdom is facing a significant rise in the number of young people not in education, employment, or training (NEET). Interim findings from Alan Milburn’s review indicate that over one million 16 to 24-year-olds are currently classified as NEET, a figure that could reach 1.25 million within five years at an estimated annual cost of £125 billion.

To address this, Chancellor John Healey has announced £100 million to expand the Local Apprenticeship Service over two years, allowing all 14 mayoral strategic authorities to participate. However, experts suggest funding alone may be insufficient.

The Field Studies Council has advocated for the inclusion of outdoor education in national strategies to combat the issue. The charity argues that outdoor learning can rebuild confidence, reduce anxiety, and develop the resilience and employability skills necessary for young people to re-engage with work and training, particularly those who struggle in traditional classroom settings.