Breaking the cycle

Over 13% of 16-24-year-olds in the UK are now classified as NEET – not in education, employment or training – with a growing number also economically inactive and disengaged from the workforce altogether. This crisis is costing the UK economy billions in lost productivity and social support, while placing young people at greater risk of poor mental health, lifelong unemployment, and social exclusion. What’s driving this troubling trend? From falling apprenticeship opportunities and rising school exclusions to an overstretched mental health system and declining entry-level jobs, the challenges are complex and urgent. A panel of leading voices is coming together at RSA House to unpack the root causes of rising NEET rates and outline what cross-sector collaboration can do to build real opportunity for a generation at risk. Speakers Dr Vikki Smith , Executive Director, Education and Standards at the Education and Training Foundation (ETF) Mo Isap , CEO of IN4 Group Jade Azim , Head of Policy and Advocacy, Good Growth Foundation Chair Dr Patrina Law , Lifelong Learning Lead at the RSA Donate to the RSA: Become an RSA Events sponsor: Follow RSA on Instagram: Like RSA on Facebook: Listen to RSA Events podcasts: Join our Fellowship:

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Breaking the cycle is an episode from RSA Events by RSA Events.

This episode is 00:58:21 long.

This episode was published on Oct 8, 2025.

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