NEET national research project

The aims of the research project are to:

• improve understanding of the aspirations, motivations and behaviours of young people and adults who are not in education, employment or training;
• support providers in the learning and skills sector to secure institution-specific evidence to develop their understanding in relation to these issues; and
• inform individual provider strategies to meet the needs of young people and adults in their locality.

NIACE was commissioned to achieve these aims by supporting learning providers to collate a range of research evidence from young people and adults who are not engaged in education, employment or training, as well as on effective practice in engaging with people in these circumstances. 

Providers were asked to conduct in-depth interviews as well as encourage individuals to submit testimonies in range of formats, such as photographs, poems, personal statements, collages, story boards, T-shirts and pictures.

This project was carried out on behalf of LSIS and could be of interest to a range of audiences including:

• learning providers and other organisations who are interested in engaging with young people and adults who are not in education, employment or training
• policy-makers

NIACE is looking to undertake a detailed analysis of the data collected as part of the project. While some initial analysis has been funded by LSIS, NIACE will also be seeking additional funding to undertake further analysis.

An initial analysis of the data, and a short video highlighting the impact of the work on providers, was presented at a policy seminar with John Hayes, Minister of State for Further Education, Skills and Lifelong Learning.

Download the "Engaging the disengaged" video here [WMV - 18MB]

(To dowload the video, click on the image or the link above, then save it to you computer and play it back through your usual media player.)

Documents
	Notes from the LSIS policy seminar

This research project has generated a wealth of data that has developed our understanding of the aspirations, motivations and behaviours of young people and adults who are not in education, employment or training.

By using practitioner researchers to collect the data, the research project also served to inform individual provider strategies to meet the needs of young people and adults in their locality.

The policy seminar at which the initial findings were discussed provided an opportunity for dialogue about emerging policy and developing practice in relation to young people not in education, employment or training.

NIACE anticipates undertaking further analysis of the data to inform ongoing research and policy challenges.

Dr Fiona Aldridge
Fiona.Aldridge@niace.org.uk
+44(0) 116 2044246
NIACE
Renaissance House
20 Princess Road West
Leicester
LE1 6TP