Collective action to bridge the gap: Tackling Youth Unemployment with YEP!
What is the YEP!:?
YEP! (Youth Employment Partnership) is a dynamic community organisation dedicated to bridging the gap between local employers and schools, with a mission to tackle the twin challenges of youth unemployment and the skills gap in Brent and Ealing.?
Youth unemployment remains a pressing issue, particularly in areas like Brent and Ealing. Rising rates of young people Not in Employment, Education or Training (NEET) highlight the need for a community-driven approach to address these challenges. *?The estimated UK average for 16–24 year olds not in education or training is 11.9%. Ealing falls just below this average at 11.4%, while Brent exceeds it with a rate of 12.8%.?That's where Spark!’s YEP! steps in.?
What they do?
The YEP! specialises in:?
Focus:?
The YEP! targets a specific group of 30 young individuals aged 14 to 18, identified as being at risk of becoming NEET or having unclear future destinations. The engagement starts in their penultimate year of school and continues regularly throughout the academic year, ensuring consistent support and development.?
“A place-based approach supporting young people into employment, which responds to local labour market challenges and the experiences and contexts of the young people where they live is crucial if we are to tackle the youth unemployment challenge.” - Laura – Jane Rawlings, CEO of Youth Employment UK ?
Collaborative Approach:?
YEP! believes that tackling these issues requires a collective approach, collaborating with:?
By working together, YEP! aims to develop a holistic understanding of the unique challenges faced by each borough, informing their strategies and responses effectively.?
*To find out more on the importance?of place-based approaches when tackling youth employability take a look at :?APPG- Place Based Approaches to Youth Unemployment - Draft 1 (youthemployment.org.uk)
Interview with Megan Wright,?Collective Action Manager at Spark!???
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What inspired the creation of YEP! and how did the partnership between Spark!, the Charities Aid Foundation, John Lyon's Charity, and the various boroughs of Brent and Ealing come about??
Megan: The inspiration for YEP! came from the rising rates of youth unemployment in these particular boroughs, especially post-COVID and post-Brexit, which also saw a rise in the skills gap. We consistently heard from employers struggling to fill positions, juxtaposed by rising numbers of young people becoming unemployed or NEET. The idea also drew inspiration from the Careers Cluster in Hounslow, which engaged employers with young people in a similar way. However, our focus is specifically on those at risk. This aligns with Spark!'s 2021-2025 Strategy to target support for the at-risk population. The Charities Aid Foundation and John Lyon's Charity, which fund specific boroughs, were also keen to see more place-based work and systems-based change, understanding the whole system around these young people.?
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Could you explain a little bit about what you mean by systems-based change??
Megan: Systems-based change acknowledges that the factors leading up to a young person becoming unemployed don’t happen in isolation. They are connected to multiple systems such as education, employment, and transport. For example, the current education system is very academic-focused, which may not support young people who don’t fit that mould. Similarly, the availability of jobs and how well-connected an area is by public transport can also impact employment opportunities. Our job is to keep all of these factors in mind and address them holistically when working with schools and employers.?
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What are the key challenges YEP! tries to address regarding youth unemployment and local skills gaps??
Megan: We aim to increase confidence, motivation, and career aspirations among young people, believing that those at risk of becoming NEET often have low confidence and motivation. We also focus on improving employability skills and market knowledge to help them access job opportunities. Additionally, we strive to change perceptions within the school system and among employers, addressing barriers such as cultural expectations and the lack of parental involvement in career decisions.?
How do you work with local employers to create meaningful and sustained engagements for young people??
?Megan: It’s part education for employers and part education for schools and students. We start by networking with employers to understand who they are and what opportunities they offer. We then have briefing calls with them to explain our aims and the needs of our target group. We focus on making their volunteering experience rewarding and engaging, ensuring they feel prepared and valued. We also try to match volunteers who have relevant backgrounds, such as apprenticeships, to make the connection more impactful.?
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Thank you for your time and insight. In closing, could you discuss the next steps for YEP! and a little bit about the new brochure. How can other organisations get involved or support the programme??
Megan: We have developed a comprehensive programme of sessions that have been tried and tested with our target population. For any employer interested in getting involved, we’ve done all the legwork – planning, creating resources, and training volunteers. This provides a convenient and flexible opportunity to support local schools. Employers can participate on an ad hoc basis throughout the academic year or work consistently with one school, engaging the same group of young people with the same staff. Volunteering with us is also an excellent opportunity for professional development. Interested organisations can contact us to get started.?
Want to get involved and make a real impact in Brent and Ealing??
Check out the Spark! volunteering page for all up-to-date opportunities: - Spark! - Kick starting careers (sparkcharity.org.uk)
The YEP! team will be with you for every step of your volunteering journey so contact Paniz Juwandoon?([email protected])?to sign up today!?
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