Northampton Saints Foundation has responded to the publication of the Milburn Review, which warns Britain risks a 25% rise in the number of young people not in education, employment or training (NEET) reaching 1.25 million by the early 2030s without urgent action.
The government-commissioned review, led by Alan Milburn, the former Labour health secretary, describes a growing “generational fault line” and warns of a potential “lost generation” if young people are not better supported into education, employment and training pathways. National figures now show more than one million young people aged 16–24 are already classified as NEET, with many facing barriers linked to confidence, wellbeing, mental health, disengagement from education and limited access to opportunity.
At Northampton Saints Foundation, these findings reflect the reality seen every day across Northamptonshire and Milton Keynes where they deliver their life changing work.
Using the power of sport and the values of rugby, the Foundation works with young people through education, employability, social inclusion programmes and wellbeing programmes, plus specialist services that help rebuild confidence, develop life skills and create pathways into education, training and work.
The Foundation’s employability programmes support young people to gain qualifications, workplace experience, close skills gaps and practical employability skills, while tailored interventions help those at risk of disengagement reconnect to find their positive futures.
Jordan Letts, CEO at Northampton Saints Foundation, said “Today’s Milburn Review should act as a wake-up call. Behind every statistic is a young person with huge potential whose confidence, wellbeing or circumstances may be preventing them from accessing education, employment or training. We see first-hand that young people do not lack ambition but many face barriers that make it harder to thrive. Without the right support, too many risk being left behind”.
Craig Phillips, Head of Employability and Skills added “The Employability and Skills Department at Northampton Saints Foundation will continue to support young people by developing new interventions, expanding opportunities, and enhancing programme delivery to remain at the forefront of investing in and tackling the barriers faced by young people. There is an importance to developing and progressing the programmes at the Foundation whilst paying attendance to how we effectively work with partners alongside government initiatives. We work with incredible partners and organisations to ensure we provide holistic and open minded approaches to the transition for young people".
Currently the Foundation’s employability department is focussing on:
✔️ Specifically delivering NEET study programmes in partnership with Northampton College, Tresham College (Part of The Bedford College Group) and West Northamptonshire Council
✔️ Newly introduced School employability programmes aimed at supporting Years 10 and 11 who are risk of becoming NEET with guiding transition
✔️ Industry and sector led work experience calendars consisting of over 20 industries and organisations
✔️ Theory of change models 'Journey to work' and 'Work Journey' supporting job readiness and work understanding for our young people
✔️ Personal and social development calendars promoting self-confidence and self assurance amongst the young people
✔️ Building of employment pathways with organisations and supporters of the Foundation aligning with the governments youth guarantee initiative
✔️ Expanding current partnerships to reach out widely geographically
The Foundation has continued to expand programmes designed to reduce the risk of young people becoming NEET, supporting learners through employability qualifications, confidence building, work-readiness training and employer engagement. Partnerships with Northampton College, Tresham College, West Northamptonshire Council, local authorities and businesses have helped create experiences that better prepare young people for the workplace and positive progression.
However, the Foundation says tackling the challenge cannot be achieved alone.
Northampton Saints Foundation is calling on businesses across Northamptonshire and beyond to become part of the solution.
Whether through mentoring, work experience opportunities, workplace visits, employability workshops, volunteering or funding support, businesses can play a vital role in helping young people build confidence, gain experience and access additional opportunities.
By working together, employers can help shape the future workforce while creating life-changing outcomes for young people who simply need someone to believe in their potential and support the government’s strategy of youth guarantee with providing funding for millions to have access to education, employment or training as the foundation has built strategies to support this.
Businesses interested in supporting Northampton Saints Foundation’s programmes are encouraged to get in touch and become part of a growing movement committed to ensuring no young person is left behind.
To find out more about partnering with the Foundation, visit northamptonsaintsfoundation.org or contact matthew.robinson@northamptonsaintsfoundation.org