There is a rising number of young people aged 16–24 who are Not in Education, Employment, or Training (NEETs). We discuss how structural barriers, such as limiting disabilities, low qualifications, mental health challenges, and fragmented career support, often contribute to this crisis, countering the narrative that young people are simply unmotivated. Key themes include the urgent need for accessible academic, vocational, and technical pathways, and the government's plans, including the Youth Jobs Guarantee and reforms to the careers service, aimed at providing holistic and sustained support to help this generation succeed.

Key Takeaways

• The proportion of young people identified as NEETs has been rising since 2021 and is nearing its highest level since 2014.
• Barriers preventing young people from working or learning are often structural, stemming from issues like limiting disability, mental health conditions, or having low qualifications, rather than a personal lack of motivation.
• There is a recognized need to shift focus away from a strong emphasis on university towards clear, respected vocational and technical training routes to meet the nation's demand for skilled trades like plumbing and bricklaying.
• New government measures include merging jobcentres with the National Careers Service to offer personalized coaching and digital tools.
• Targeted and preventive support, including early intervention for mental health and investment in youth hubs, is vital.
• Financial disincentives, such as the housing benefit taper rate which penalizes young people in supported accommodation for increasing their earnings, must be addressed.

Definitions

• NEETs: An acronym for young people not in education, employment or training, typically referring to those aged 16 to 24.

Source: Young People not in Education, Employment or Training
Volume 776: debated on Wednesday 26 November 2025

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Contains Parliamentary information repurposed under the Open Parliament Licence v3.0...

This episode examines the critical debate surrounding the government's plan to remove public funding for many Level 7 apprenticeships for those aged 22 and over, effective January 2026. The government aims to rebalance funding toward younger learners beginning their careers. However, critics argue this move will severely hinder diversity and access in sectors like architecture and town planning, where apprentices rarely reach Level 7 before age 22 or 25 due to lengthy training requirements. We explore how this policy risks shrinking the pipeline of qualified professionals needed to meet national targets for housing and infrastructure, particularly impacting small businesses that rely on this funding. The debate contrasts the focus on youth funding with the need for high-level specialized skills across the built environment.

Key Takeaways

• Public funding for many Level 7 apprenticeships will be restricted to those under age 22 (or under 25 for specific groups like care leavers) starting in January 2026.
• The apprenticeship route, especially at Level 7, has been crucial for achieving better gender balance and increasing access for people from disadvantaged backgrounds in architecture.
• Professions in the built environment (architects, town planners) have long qualification periods, meaning apprentices typically reach Level 7 well past the age of 21, making the new restriction a significant barrier.
• The government is encouraging employers to invest directly in upskilling older staff and is shifting focus to young people by introducing Foundation Apprenticeships in critical sectors like construction.
• Skills shortages are acute across the built environment; over 250,000 additional workers are estimated to be needed by 2028 just to maintain current construction output.

Source: Level 7 Apprenticeships
Volume 776: debated on Tuesday 25 November 2025

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Families face profiund challenges when caring for children with serious neurological conditions. We discuss the urgent need for better access to specialist information, prompt second opinions, and clear hospital transfer options to reduce distress. Key themes include the emotional and financial burden on families and the fragmentation of public services (health, education, social care). Learning objectives cover understanding the necessity of integrated support, early intervention, and government plans, like the 10-year health plan, aiming to provide coordinated, community-based care and reduce waiting times. The discussion also highlights the invaluable insight provided by organizations like the Tafida Raqeeb Foundation.

Key Takeaways

• In the difficult period following a diagnosis, families need prompt access to high-quality information and clear processes for requesting second opinions from appropriately qualified clinicians to prevent misunderstandings and reduce distress.
• Caring for a child with a serious neurological condition requires round-the-clock care, placing an enormous emotional toll on parents; consistent access to counselling, respite breaks, and psychological support is vital.
• Families often describe the system as fragmented, requiring them to repeat their child's history multiple times; a more joined-up approach across health, education, and social care is needed to relieve pressure.
• The Government’s 10-year health plan aims to deliver integrated, community-based services that prioritize early identification, intervention, and timely access to specialist care.
• It is crucial that parents and carers are recognized as genuine partners in decision-making regarding their child's care, reflecting the deep understanding they hold of their child’s needs.

Source: Children with Serious Neurological Conditions
Volume 775: debated on Thursday 20 November 2025

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No outside chatter: source material only taken from Hansard and the Parliament UK website.

Contains Parliamentary information repurposed under the Open Parliament Licence v3.0...