Ryan FowlerTop employment organisations are prompting the government to tackle the critical issue of youth unemployment, following recent figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS). The ONS has highlighted a concerning rise in the number of young people aged 16 to 24 not engaged in education, employment, or training in the UK.
In the last quarter of 2023, 12% of young people fell into the NEET category, marking a slight increase from the previous year. The figures notably pinpoint 18-year-olds as the most affected, with around 195,000 unemployed young men and 98,000 young women. The count of NEET and economically inactive young people has risen by 39,000 since the previous year, reaching a peak not seen since 2009.
In response to these troubling statistics, Startingpoint is leading the charge to provide solutions. They are offering support through a careers platform that connects students with businesses and higher education institutions for apprenticeship programs and training opportunities.
Tom Simpson, director at Startingpoint, emphasised the company’s role: “We recognise the challenges faced by the youth in today’s job market, and Startingpoint is dedicated to making a positive impact by empowering them with the tools and opportunities they need to succeed.”
Startingpoint is not only providing a platform for skill and opportunity showcasing but also actively seeking partnerships with educational bodies and local authorities to develop strategies tailored to young people’s employment needs. These apprenticeships are aimed at imparting vital skills and workplace experience while allowing young individuals to earn and climb the career ladder.
