Youth employment has become an acute issue over the recent decade. 'In July to September 2024 there were 946,000 people aged 16-24 who were not in employment, education or training, 12.3% of all 16-24 year olds.' underpins this point quite literally. This category has been named NEETs and the Get Britain White paper has made this demographic a clear focus, although how seems to be up for debate. One of the methods governments are trying to do this is by encouraging government suppliers to offer opportunities to NEETs when delivering on their contracts.
However the challenge for suppliers is finding the right talent at a point where they’re ready to engage in their projects to make the most from them. Meaning, having or learning the expertise alongside the drive and soft skills to succeed in the roles given.
In addition to this many young people have been let down going through education not feeling prepared for the working world. EXTRO Creative understands these problems very well. In collaboration with the D Foundation Charity, we recently ran a pilot programme to upskill and empower 20 young people. Here’s how we helped them turn their potential into success stories.
Why We Stepped In
The young people referred to this programme weren’t just lacking jobs—they were battling:
Anxiety around job searching.
Low confidence and self-esteem.
Confusion about the right career path.
Disconnection from networks and mentors.
Frustration with unmotivating job offers.
One participant summed it up:"I lacked a clear direction and felt anxious about my future."
What We Did
Our approach was simple: focus on their potential, not their barriers. Here’s how we made it happen:
Portfolio Building: Helping participants showcase their skills.
CV Upgrades: Turning their resumes into job-winning tools.
Work Experience: “I can now see myself in the industry and have the encouragement to pursue it”
Mentorship: Connecting them with professionals who’ve been there. “Having you check up on me has made such a difference”
Networking Events: Exclusive opportunities to meet hiring managers.
Career Guidance: "The CV support and practical guidance I received was golden"
The Impact 💥
Out of the 20 participants who were all NEETS, here’s what happened:
14 into employment.
3 went on to higher education.
But the real success lies beyond the numbers. The feedback was inspiring:
Increased confidence and self-esteem.
A newfound sense of belonging.
Improved mental health.
A participant even said, “I can now contribute towards my mum’s bills!”
Success Stories
💡 Jack’s Journey"Before joining EXTRO Creative, I struggled to secure interviews. The CV support and practical guidance I received was golden. Today, I’m working in a role that I actually want to do and building my portfolio so I can take on more projects."Jack is currently completing a multichannel marketer apprenticeship.
💡 Aaliyah’s Path"The programme helped me build confidence and gave me guidance on how to develop a career path in digital marketing. Now I’m working part-time and starting my digital marketing course soon."
Why This Matters
It’s not just about finding a job; it’s about building a life of purpose and opportunity. Every young person deserves the chance to thrive and seeing participants grow in confidence, secure meaningful work, and even contribute to their families is what it’s all about.
We couldn’t have achieved this without the incredible support of the D Foundation Charity, whose workshops were key in helping participants find their direction. Thank you to the local job centres, college career advisors, and even those who self-referred — your trust and collaboration made this possible. And a huge thanks to our network of mentors and employers, whose guidance and opportunities helped make many aspirations a reality.
Our person-centred approach ensures that every participant is valued, understood and supported as an individual. We encourage every stakeholder to go on this journey to understand and break specific barriers to work. With the support and input of our stakeholders we create tailored pathways to not only assist participants to progress into sustainable employment but ensure programme outcomes are delivered effectively.
Policy Code | Vector £ | Quantity | Total |
NT4* | 15,382.90 | 14 (people in FTE) | £215,360.60 |
NT11** | 105.58 | 120 | £12,669.60 |
*No. of full time equivalent employees (FTE) hired on the contract who are NOT in Employment, education or training (NEETs)
** No. of hours of ‘support to work’ assistance provided to unemployed people through career mentoring; including mock interviews, CV advice, and careers guidance.
This is just the beginning. As we prepare to Get Britain working, we’re more inspired than ever to continue changing lives. Together, we’re not just supporting young people into jobs—we’re creating futures filled with potential and possibility. 🚀