The Government is currently asking for evidence on how best to tackle the youth NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training) challenge, inviting insights from organisations, employers and those working directly with young people. This call for evidence presents an important opportunity to highlight practical, proven solutions that support young people into education, training and sustainable employment.

At Educationwise, we’re encouraged to see young people being prioritised. We know that with the right support, structure and opportunities, young people can build confidence, develop skills and move into meaningful careers. For us, apprenticeships continue to be one of the most effective ways to make that happen.

There are many factors that can lead a young person to become NEET, including limited access to opportunities, lack of awareness around available pathways, socio-economic barriers and challenges during key transitions from school into further education or work. Left unaddressed, these barriers can have long-term consequences, impacting employment prospects, earnings and overall wellbeing.

Apprenticeships provide a clear, accessible route forward. By combining paid employment with structured learning, apprenticeships allow young people to gain real-world experience while developing the skills employers actually need. They offer a sense of purpose, progression and stability at a critical stage of life, helping young people stay engaged and motivated.

While the primary focus must always be on supporting young people, it’s worth recognising that apprenticeships also deliver significant benefits for employers, an added bonus rather than the main objective. Employers gain motivated team members who are trained to their organisation’s needs, helping to build a skilled workforce from the ground up while strengthening long-term retention and productivity.

At Educationwise, we deliver apprenticeship programmes across a range of sectors, including business, marketing, leadership and health & fitness. Our programmes are supported by experienced tutors and designed to equip learners with practical, job-ready skills, while giving employers the reassurance that training is structured, compliant and impactful.

As evidence is gathered, we believe apprenticeships should remain central to the conversation. They don’t just help young people move out of NEET status, they create sustainable pathways into employment, support employers, and contribute to stronger, more resilient workplaces.

By investing in apprenticeships today, we can help ensure that young people are not only supported but empowered, while employers benefit from a skilled, confident and future-ready workforce.