Bridging the NEET Gap: How To Inspire with Role Models

Published figures at the end of last year indicate that there’s a growing urgency around bridging the NEET gap, but what does that actually mean?

Let's explore what NEET is and how role models are fundamental in bridging the NEET gap.

Bridging the NEET Gap, but What is NEET?

NEET stands for Not in Education, Employment, or Training. It particularly refers to young people, aged 16–24, who are currently not engaged in formal education or work, but the definition has started to extend to older groups as well.

According to the Office for National Statistics, as of late 2024, there were around 987,000 young people in the UK classified as NEET, an increase of 110,000 on the previous year. This equates to 13.4% of the 16-24 year old population.

For full details, please follow this link.

Likewise, the UK government reports on its website that the latest Labour Force Survey (LFS) for England also shows a similar figure. 13.6% of 16-24 year olds fall into the NEET category, that's almost 1 in 7 young people in the age range.

These figures act as a reminder of the pressing need to engage young people earlier and more effectively, thereby bridging the NEET gap

An Excellent Insight

An excellent article recently published in FE Week (Education Scape Ltd), entitled “How Apprenticeship Coaches Can Bridge the NEET Gap” by Wasim Collins, explores this challenge. Wasim draws upon his own experience as a young man, encouraged by a mentor to believe in himself. He highlights the importance of coaching youngsters through apprenticeships, gradually building their confidence with positive reinforcement.

An excellent observation raised by Wasim highlights how teachers are often seen as authority figures, rather than role models. However, the perception of apprenticeship coaches can be very different. He believes that apprenticeship coaches are the key to bridging the NEET gap. They can become role models for the youngsters they work with. Coaches who have been apprentices themselves and enjoyed a successful career journey are often relatable and inspirational.

Wasim's article illustrates how early intervention and relatable role models can help steer young people toward a more secure and fulfilling future. We couldn't agree more.

Why Role Models Matter

When you're 16 to 24, trying to figure out your future, it can feel overwhelming. Suddenly, you are expected to make responsible decisions about your education or career choices. It's not easy. This can be especially true if no one has ever shown you what’s possible.

Without the right role models, it’s easy to feel stuck or to head in a direction that doesn’t quite fit. Indeed, it's far too easy to slip down the wrong path altogether, sometimes leading to a life of crime. That’s why bridging the NEET gap matters so much. When young people meet others just like them, people who have experienced the same challenges, gone through the same confusion, and found something that lights them up, something special happens.

Hearing apprentices talk openly about how they got into their roles, what they’ve learned, and where they’re headed can be game-changing. It turns vague ideas into real opportunities. It makes it easier to see a future that feels exciting and achievable. Relatable role models don’t just inspire, they help young people choose the right path before the wrong one feels like the only option.

This is where bridging the NEET gap becomes more than a concept; it becomes a lifeline. When these young adults connect with others who’ve faced similar situations to their own, they discover something meaningful. This is especially true of apprenticeships. Knowledge is a powerful tool, and it can transform their outlook entirely.

Connecting with Schools

At Swarm Training, we’re delighted that we play a hands-on role in bridging the NEET gap. We’ve seen the impact that relatable voices and real experiences can have when introduced to students early on. It’s inspiring.

That’s why we go directly into schools, not just to talk about apprenticeships, but to show them in action. We bring our apprentices with us, young people who can share the story of their journeys honestly. When they talk about their difficulties and challenges in life, they inspire others by showing what’s possible.

We work closely with schools because we know how powerful it can be to show young people what’s really possible through apprenticeships. Seeing real success stories can shift mindsets and open doors. That’s how we help, by bridging the NEET gap, by giving young people a chance to shape brighter futures.

In England, this effort gets a boost from the Raising Participation Age (RPA) legislation, which has required all young people to stay in education or training until 18 since 2015. We hope that in the future, the other nations follow suit. But beyond the policy, we believe the real magic happens when students meet others like them, peers who’ve faced uncertainty and found a path that genuinely excites them. That kind of connection can be life-changing and makes a huge difference in tackling the numbers we talked about earlier in this blog.

Connecting Through Events and Conversations

In addition to visiting schools, this past year, we’ve been proud to attend events like the Festival of Knowledge and the All About Apprenticeships event in Norwich.

The Festival of Knowledge

Every March, Norfolk hosts the Festival of Knowledge. It's a busy two-day event where 14–17-year-olds get a real taste of what their future could look like. Set up by the Norfolk Chambers of Commerce, it’s all about connecting young people with local businesses, sparking inspiration, and showing them the huge range of career paths available to them, right on their doorstep.

We love attending this special festival; it is a highlight of our year. It gives 14-17-year-olds a chance to hear directly from our apprentices who are currently learning and thriving. Again, by sharing this knowledge, we’re doing more than just opening eyes; we’re actively bridging the NEET gap. It’s one of the biggest events in the area focused on skills, jobs, and opportunity, and we absolutely love being part of it. Watching students light up as they chat with apprentices who’ve found their passion is a reminder of why this matters so much.

Follow this link to visit the Norfolk Chambers of Commerce for more information.

All About Apprenticeships

This is another fantastic event we are proud to attend. It delivers exactly what it promises. It’s a celebration of apprenticeships and a brilliant opportunity for young people, their parents, and teachers to connect directly with employers, training providers like us, and apprenticeship ambassadors. As Norfolk’s largest apprenticeship-focused event, it plays a key role in bridging the NEET gap by opening doors. It sparks conversations that can shape a young person’s future. Certainly, when we attended the event in June, we had many animated and exciting conversations with potential apprentices. We are looking forward to working with some of them in the future.

You see, when students hear directly from someone just a few years older than them, who is earning, learning, and loving what they do, it has an impact. It builds trust. It opens minds. And it makes the future feel a little more real and a lot more achievable.

For more information about this annual event, please click on this link.

Both of these events help build trust and widen horizons. They offer real proof that apprenticeships are a launchpad, not a fallback. Once again, they play a vital role in bridging the NEET gap, sparking conversations that lead to lasting change.

Let’s Work Together

We know schools are working hard to support their students, and we want to help. Whether it's a careers talk, a Q&A session, or a school event, we’d love to be involved. Our team is friendly, experienced, and committed to making apprenticeships accessible and exciting for every young person we meet.

Undoubtedly, bridging the NEET gap is a team effort. Schools, training providers, local events, and the government all need to work together to bring these figures down and get young people into enjoyable, meaningful careers.

If you’re a school or college looking to inspire your students next term, invite us in! We’re already booking visits for the autumn term, and we would be thrilled to work with you to support your students, especially those who might be at risk of disengaging. We are also members of the Disability Confident Scheme as we believe everyone should be given an opportunity to thrive.

Let's work together, bridging the NEET gap, one conversation, one event, and one inspiring role model at a time.