Work experience slashes young people’s chances of becoming ‘Neet’, report finds, but access to opportunities remain unequal – as another 800,000 set to join Britain’s ‘lost generation’ by 2030

Work experience could be key to boosting the prospects of 800,000 unemployed young people on track to join Britain’s ‘lost generation’ by 2030.

This comes after the Office for National Statistics announced that the number of young people classed as Neets (other than education, employment or vocational training) has surpassed one million.

It represents an increase of 55,000 points on the previous quarter, marking the highest level since the three months to December 2013, when the figures were calculated using a different method.

The figures also showed that 613,000 young people were economically inactive, meaning they were not working or looking for work. This indicates a record number.

But a landmark report has found that under-16s who form ‘meaningful relationships’ with their employers are 80 per cent less likely to be Neet than their peers.

Research by education charity Education and Employers has found that placements can play a transformative role in improving young people’s prospects.

But access to work experience remains largely dependent on family connections, meaning opportunities are unequally distributed.

The report found that 81 per cent of placements are currently arranged by young people’s families using personal networks.

Work experience reduces chances of becoming Neet by 80 percent, new report finds

Three-quarters of school staff surveyed for the report said family connections give some young people an advantage over others.

The findings raise questions about how the Government’s two-week work experience guarantee will be fairly implemented in secondary schools.

It estimates that providing a Work Experience Guarantee for under-16s alone would require a staggering six million placement days each year.

The report warns that a lack of support and infrastructure risks exacerbating existing inequalities and that the best opportunities continue to go to those with the best connections.

Meanwhile, thought-provoking statistics have revealed that just over half (58 per cent) of Key Stage 4 students have completed work experience.

While 94 percent of teachers say it would be difficult or very difficult to organize on-the-job training, 81 percent say the same for workplace visits.

Employers cited limited capacity, competing demands, and bureaucracy as significant barriers to students completing work experience.

Education and Employers is now calling for a new, youth-focused national careers information service to target young people most at risk of becoming NEET.

800,000 young people expected to be classified as Neet by 2030

Former Labor Cabinet Minister Alan Milburn declared earlier this year that it was a ‘moral crisis’ that one in six young people aged 16-25 will be dependent on out-of-work benefits by 2030.

He said the streamlined service, along with greater investment in employer engagement and brokerage, would level the playing field for students.

Nick Chambers, Chief Executive of Education and Employers, said: ‘The Government’s commitment to two weeks of work experience for every young person is absolutely right on target.

‘But ambition alone will not bring results.

‘Without the right infrastructure, support and coordination, we are in danger of giving an advantage to the advantaged and disadvantaging the disadvantaged.’

Former Cabinet Minister Andy Milburn declared earlier this year that it was a ‘moral crisis’ that one in six young people aged 16-25 will be dependent on out-of-work benefits by 2030.

The former Labor health secretary called for a ‘whole system reset’ on education, welfare and health policy and warned the cost of rising NEET numbers could reach £125bn a year.

Earlier this month, Marks and Spencer announced it would help up to 1,000 young people start their careers, amid fears that youth unemployment could reach 18 per cent by next spring.

The retail giant said it will offer internship opportunities to hundreds of people between the ages of 18 and 24 over the next year and a half.

Successful applicants will undergo a six-month program where they will gain hands-on experience as well as learn about retail management and trust building.

They will then receive further training before starting full-time work.