NEET

This “NEET” tag page covers content related to youth who are Not in Education, Employment or Training. This refers to 16-24-year-olds who are unemployed and not engaged in school or work-based learning.

Being NEET stems from varied challenges like:

• Difficulty finishing school
• Lack of job opportunities
• Health issues
• Family problems
• Uncertainty about next steps

Prolonged time without work or education can negatively impact finances, social skills, and mental health. Specialised career support services are often necessary to help NEET youth regain their footing.

On this tag page you’ll find key information if you or someone you know falls under the NEET designation:

• Government and nonprofit programs
• Mentorship/apprenticeship opportunities
• Job interview workshops
• Career guidance resources
• Motivational tips
• Personal stories

FAQs

What does NEET stand for?

NEET is an acronym that stands for not in education, employment, or training. It’s a government-used term describing a young person (usually aged 16-24) who is no longer in school, college, or training and does not have a job or is not undergoing job-related training.

Who is classed as NEET?

Anyone not in education or training, as well as not being employed, falls under the NEET category. Consequently, a person identified as NEET will always be either unemployed or economically inactive.

How many NEETs are there in the UK?

The number of young people not in education, employment, or training (NEET) in the United Kingdom was 794,000 in the second quarter of 2023, compared with 770,000 in the previous quarter.

The latest figures from ONS show that the UK economic inactivity rate (21.9%) for those aged 16 to 64 years was largely unchanged in the latest quarter but is above estimates a year ago (October to December 2022). The annual increase was driven by those inactive because they were long-term sick, which remains at historically high levels.

What is the NEET rate in 2023?

Based on the Annual Population Survey (APS) for the year ending June 2023, the NEET rate for 19 to 24 year olds was estimated to be 15.8%, compared to 15.1% for the year ending June 2022.

What support is available if I’m struggling with the next steps after finishing school?

Many young people find themselves taking time off after finishing school or having trouble securing that first job or internship.

Being “NEET” (not in education, employment or training) is more common than you’d think. But there are resources out there to help get you back on track.

There are many alternative pathways into employment, other than university. For example, apprenticeships, skills bootcamps and microcredentials.

I dropped out of college and have been unemployed for over a year. How do I figure out the next steps for my career?

First, don’t be so hard on yourself. Many successful people have overcome periods of being NEET early on.

The most important thing is realizing you can’t do this alone. Seek support services in your area aimed at getting youth employed long-term.

Regaining motivation during this challenging period is crucial.

Are there support groups I can join to feel less isolated in my situation?

Absolutely. Speaking with peers facing similar unemployment struggles can validate your experience and help you feel understood.