QA urges for a joined-up approach to get young people into work amid rising NEET numbers

Published at a Labour Party Conference reception, which was delivered alongside Microsoft, From Anchor Institutions to Anchor Ecosystems explores how England can create more inclusive growth in an AI-enabled economy by strengthening the relationship between employers, education providers, civic institutions, technology partners, and local communities. 

The report argues that while England invests heavily in skills, it too often lacks the pathways that connect people to opportunity, employers to talent, and local ambition to delivery. It calls for employers, educators, local leaders, and technology partners to work together to create clearer routes into employment and growth. 

It has been informed by a series of regional roundtable discussions delivered by QA, involving employers, local government, mayoral authorities, educators, training providers, and technology partners. 

The report comes as Chancellor of the Exchequer, the Rt Hon. John Healey MP, announces a local apprenticeship service led by Mayors, which will deliver thousands more apprenticeships for young people. 

The report urges places, employers, and institutions to bridge the gap between education and work, ensuring young people have access to meaningful career opportunities through apprenticeships, and building a sustainable talent pipeline for years to come. 

Jo Bishenden, Chief Learning Officer at QA, said: 

“England invests a great deal in skills, but too many young people still can’t see a clear route into employment. Our report addresses how policymakers at all levels can address this, working in partnership and collaborating to build a system which provides young people with access to meaningful employment.”