68% of NEET Adults Progress into Work or Education Through LSST’s Trailblazer Initiative

🔊 Male Voice 🔊 Female Voice

   

A new employability initiative delivered by LSST in partnership with Birmingham City Council (BCC) has achieved a 68% progression rate into employment or further education for adults previously classified as Not in Education, Employment or Training (NEET).

With a cohort of more than 50 young adults, the Trailblazer programme (a new national initiative to reduce the number of NEET 18-21-year-olds) focused on intensive, individualised support. The result has been a high conversion rate into tangible progression pathways – alongside a significant number of participants achieving ILM-accredited qualifications, strengthening both confidence and formal leadership capability.

In an environment where NEET figures remain a sustained national concern, the outcomes reflect the value of focused intervention with structured mentoring alongside accredited development routes.

‘In my 25 years of experience, nothing beats one-to-one support when helping NEET young adults,’ explained Matt Garvey, Head of Further Education & Business Development. ‘Many of these young people have been through a carousel of courses, had their education blighted by the pandemic and feel left behind. Through coaching, we restore their confidence, sense of self-worth and focus.’

Raj Kandola, acting Deputy CEO at Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, said: “Giving young people the skills, confidence and support to move into work or further training is vital for the long-term strength of the local economy. Initiatives like the Youth Guarantee Trailblazer play an important role in connecting young people with opportunities and helping employers build the future workforce they need. It is encouraging to see organisations such as LSST working with partners to create clear pathways into employment for the city’s young people.”

Measured Impact

Unlike broader volume-driven schemes, the Trailblazer model prioritised learner depth of engagement. Participants received tailored employability support, skills development and structured progression planning aligned to local labour market needs in Birmingham.

LSST’s Trailblazer 68% progression rate represents individuals who have either re-entered formal education or secured employment – a substantive transition from economic inactivity to structured opportunity.

In addition to employment and education outcomes, many participants completed Institute of Leadership & Management (ILM) accredited programmes at LSST, providing recognised certification that enhances both employability and progression potential.

What’s next for the Trailblazer?

The UK Government has committed nearly £1 billion to reducing the number of young people classified as NEET, yet youth unemployment remains above 10%, with artificial intelligence rapidly reshaping entry-level opportunities. In this context, LSST’s 68% progression rate offers tangible evidence of what focused, high-quality intervention can achieve.

As the current Birmingham cohort concludes, the priority now is continuity. Extending funding would enable more young adults to benefit from a model that has demonstrably moved participants from economic inactivity into employment or further education. Sustaining this momentum will be essential if meaningful progress is to be maintained across the region.

Matt Garvey, LSST’s Head of Further Education & Business Development, added: “Programmes like Trailblazer show what can be achieved when targeted support is combined with clear progression pathways. In a tough environment, the outcomes are significant. A 68% transition rate into employment or further education represents real impact – not just participation but measurable change in people’s lives.”

He added: “It is now vital that the Department for Work and Pensions move precipitously to continue funding for this priority. Many NEETs want to work or return to study and LSST can help them; we just need to be backed up by funding.”

Real Transition

The success of the Trailblazer initiative lies not simply in numbers but in progression.

In a challenging economic climate, small-cohort programmes with high conversion rates illustrate that impact is not solely defined by scale, but by sustained outcomes.

For participants at LSST, the programme has represented renewed direction, accredited achievement and re-engagement with the labour market.

As LSST continues its commitment to widening participation and supporting social mobility, initiatives such as Trailblazer demonstrate how targeted intervention, academic rigour and employer alignment can combine to deliver meaningful change.

Register Your Interest

Are you, or someone you know, aged 18–21, currently not in employment, education or training and residing in Birmingham?

The present Trailblazer cohort is nearing completion, having delivered measurable progression outcomes across the region. LSST is now engaging with partners and stakeholders to secure continued funding to extend this impactful provision to future cohorts.

Individuals wishing to be considered for forthcoming places are invited to register their interest via www.lsst.ac/fe.

Eligible applicants will be contacted should additional funded places be confirmed.

For expressions of interest contact:

Samina Shafieq, Programme Manager: samina.shafieq@lsst.ac

Matt Garvey, Head of Further Education & Business Development: matthew.garvey@lsst.ac

For additional information or interviews, please direct questions to LSST’s Public Relations Manager via kunal.mehta@lsst.ac.

We hope you enjoyed reading LSST News. Join our vibrant academic community and explore endless opportunities for growth and learning at www.lsst.ac/courses or via admissions@lsst.ac. Discover your path at LSST and embark on a transformative educational journey today.

Think Further. Think Higher. Think LSST.

Read more about Trailblazers on LSST News: LSST Launches Youth Guarantee Trailblazer Initiative to Empower 18–21-Year-Olds in Birmingham – London School of Science & Technology