As we celebrate National Apprenticeship Week 2025, it's a crucial moment to highlight the stark reality many young people face in their pursuit of education and employment. With economic uncertainty and shifting job market demands, the road to securing stable work is more challenging than ever.
The Youth Futures Foundation’s latest report on youth employment in the UK reports as of August 2024, approximately 12.2% of young people aged 16-24 are classified as NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training). This equates to about 872,000 individuals, an alarming increase compared to just three years ago.
More than 60% of young people surveyed believe it is harder to secure employment now than it was a decade ago, citing key barriers such as a lack of skills or training, low wages in entry-level positions, and the increasing impact of mental health challenges. Nearly one-third of young people report that mental health struggles significantly affect their job prospects.
In response to this growing crisis, Northampton Saints Foundation is working tirelessly to support young people through its employability programmes in collaboration with Tresham College (part of the Bedford Group) and Northampton College. These initiatives are designed to reduce NEET statistics by providing learners with a supportive and holistic approach to employment preparation.
Through tailored programmes, students receive guidance to boost self-esteem, confidence, and workplace skills. The Foundation empowers students by addressing barriers such as lack of confidence, direction, motivation, and career knowledge by working with a variety of organisations, to facilitate work experience placements, career talks, and hands-on learning opportunities that provide invaluable insights into potential career paths. The Foundation also deliver career advice within schools via their HITZ on Track skills.
In the academic year of 23/24 our 16+ programmes had a 91% positive progression to employment, education and training.
725 onsite work experience hours were completed across 10 different sectors and industries.
A critical aspect of the Foundation’s programme is hands-on exposure to industries. Recently, within National Apprenticeship Week, students participated in a talk and site tour at Founder15 partner Bearward Engineering, a Wabtec company, in Far Cotton, Northampton. Projects Manager Adrian Meadows and Stores Manager Nikki Lynas shared their career journeys, offering inspiration and insight into different career paths.
Craig Phillips, Employability and Skills Manager, at Northampton Saints Foundation emphasised the importance of these experiences, stating: “Opportunities like this are fantastic for our students to learn directly from employers and get a behind-the-scenes look at different industries. Hearing employees' stories is vital in understanding that it’s never too late to develop, grow, and change roles. The importance of these opportunities will ignite interest and passion amongst the students of the employability programmes.”
Beyond skills training, Northampton Saints Foundation adopts a trauma-informed approach, ensuring that participants receive emotional and psychological support through the power of sport and the values of rugby, as well as with support from their internal youth counsellor, funded by the National Lottery Reaching Communities Fund. Many young people face personal challenges that hinder their employment prospects, and the Foundation’s approach helps them navigate these barriers with resilience and confidence.
This spring, the Foundation will host a series of workshops which support the 'Journey to work' and 'Work Journey' through CV Improvement, Interview simulation and interventions. With the support of local businesses, It Is a chance to equip students with the practical tools they need to enter the work environment. The goal is not just to prepare young people for jobs but to set them on a path to fulfilling careers and knowing what Is expected when In employment.
The Foundation is committed to increasing opportunities for young people by collaborating with more corporate partners. By working with businesses willing to offer work experience, mentorship, and employment opportunities, and continue to be a lifeline for those who might otherwise struggle to find a way forward.
If you or your organisation would like to support this mission and provide opportunities for young people, please contact Gemma Shields at [email protected].
