LSST Birmingham Youth Trailblazer records 78% progression rate signalling major gains for NEET young adults
By Kunal Chan Mehta | Article Date: 27 April 2026
LSST has achieved a whopping 78% positive progression rate for young adults recently enrolled on its Youth Trailblazer programme in Birmingham, marking a significant improvement in outcomes for individuals aged 18–21 previously not in education, employment or training (NEET). Funded by Birmingham City Council, the programme supported over 50 learners, many of whom entered with disrupted educational pathways and required intensive, individualised support.
Through a combination of inclusive teaching strategies and targeted one-to-one support, the programme successfully engaged a highly neurodiverse cohort. Of the 50 participants, 39 (78%) progressed into employment, further education, apprenticeships, or successfully completed their training.
The outcome exceeds Birmingham City Council’s 75% target and reveals a consistent pattern of equitable attainment. Learners from ethnic minority backgrounds achieved an 84% progression rate, while those identified as Vulnerable At Risk (VAR) reached 80%, highlighting the programme’s effectiveness in supporting underrepresented and higher-need groups.
The Trailblazer team employed a broad range of inclusive, adaptive, and creative teaching and one-to-one support strategies to meet learners’ diverse needs. The coaches provided consistent, high‑quality guidance and pastoral support, using individualised approaches to remove barriers to learning and enable learners to make informed decisions about their future pathways.
As a result of this targeted support, learners engaged well, developed greater self‑belief, and made meaningful progress. The impact is evidenced by strong progression outcomes. Learners were well prepared for their next steps and able to transition confidently into appropriate positive destinations.
Later cohorts achieved notably higher outcomes, with 95% progression on completion. This followed learner feedback that led to a restructuring of the programme into consecutive blocks of face-to-face learning.
“What the data demonstrates is that consistency transforms outcomes,” said Samina Shafieq, Programme Manager at LSST. “Many of the young adults we supported were not lacking ability, but confidence and Sustained support. Once engagement stabilised, progression followed.”
“The most significant gains emerged when delivery was reshaped around learner feedback,” said Matt Garvey, Head of Further Education and Business Development at LSST. “Extended engagement with coaches and peers enabled confidence, self-esteem and vocational focus to flourish.”
One participant, aged 19, who had been out of education for over a year and was struggling with anxiety, progressed into a business administration apprenticeship after sustained one-to-one coaching and supported employability training. The participant described the programme as the first environment in which they felt able to “rebuild momentum rather than start again from zero.”
With nearly one million young people across the UK currently classified as NEET, the government-backed Youth Guarantee Trailblazer initiatives aim to test new approaches to improving transitions into work and training. Birmingham remains one of the priority areas for intervention under this agenda.
LSST’s Youth Trailblazer represents a high-impact intervention for those furthest from the labour market, combining strong progression outcomes with demonstrable equity across demographic groups and evidencing continuous improvement through iterative programme design.
LSST is now seeking further funding to sustain and expand this provision, ensuring continued support for young adults across Birmingham.
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 .