Engaging NEET Young People: An Employer Toolkit
Why Should Employers Engage NEETs?
The Business Case
- Labour shortages: Many sectors (hospitality, retail, logistics, care, construction) face persistent vacancies that NEET young people can fill with the right support
- Loyalty: Young people given their first opportunity often become the most committed employees
- Government funding: Significant financial support is available for employers hiring NEETs
- Fresh perspectives: Young people bring energy, digital skills, and new ideas
- CSR and social value: Hiring NEETs demonstrates genuine community impact — increasingly important for public sector contracts (UK Social Value Act)
Structured Entry Programmes
Work Trials
- Short-term (1–4 weeks) unpaid or subsidised trial periods where the young person works alongside your team
- Low risk for both parties — the employer evaluates fit, and the young person experiences the role
- In the UK, Jobcentre Plus can arrange work trials with continued benefit payments
Traineeships
- UK: Government-funded programmes (6 weeks to 12 months) combining work preparation, English/maths, and work placements