The journey from education to a fulfilling career can be a complex and often daunting one for young people. The latest government statistics show that “an estimated 12.5% of all people aged 16 to 24 years in the UK were not in education, employment or training (NEET) in January to March 2025. This is down 0.3 percentage points compared with January to March 2024 and down 0.9 percentage points on the previous quarter.”
Whilst this improvement is encouraging, there is still much more which needs to be done to support young people who are unemployed or economically inactive.
Whether they are actively exploring options, facing the challenges of being NEET, or simply seeking direction, the path ahead can feel unclear. In this landscape, mentoring emerges as a powerful tool, offering not just guidance but a beacon of hope and practical support.
For young individuals, navigating the vast and ever-evolving world of career prospects can be overwhelming. They might be grappling with questions like: “What am I good at?”, “What careers align with my interests?”, “How do I even start?”, or “What if I don’t have the right connections?”. This is where the invaluable role of a mentor truly shines.
As Cedefop describe, “NEETs often face multiple barriers to education and employment. Mentoring can help them break this cycle of disadvantage by providing guidance, support and opportunities for growth from a perspective of someone they can look up to and ideally identify with.”
NEET and Niche Mentoring Approaches
The power of mentoring is particularly pronounced for young people who are NEET. For this group, a mentor can offer a lifeline, providing structured support, helping them identify barriers to employment or education, and connecting them with relevant resources. Mentoring programs specifically designed for NEET individuals often focus on:
- Skill Development: From basic digital literacy to interview preparation.
- Confidence Building: Overcoming feelings of isolation or discouragement.
- Goal Setting: Helping to define achievable short-term and long-term objectives.
- Access to Opportunities: Connecting them with training programs, apprenticeships, or entry-level positions.
It is interesting to note that in the Thames Valley Violence Prevention Partnership’s NEET to EET Mentoring evidence review, they drew particular attention to the fact that, “once again, the findings show that we need approaches that are not short, that are person-centred and reflect the complex individual needs of the young people we support and take a problem-solving approach to overcome the many challenges they face in their lives that influence the way they behave.”
Clearly then, it is vital that programmes which aim to specifically support NEET individuals are carefully designed and run in order to have a lasting positive impact. (To learn more about how to establish and develop an effective mentoring programme, click here).
Real World Examples
Willmott Dixon is one company that recognises the power of mentoring to overcome the barriers being faced by young people classed as NEET, collaborating with local authorities to provide support programmes. “To date, the programme has helped to transform the futures of 69 young people aged 16-24 through offering an array of support structures; personal development, employability skills. Individuals whom we have supported ordinarily would not receive support due to personal and demographic circumstances.”
Meanwhile, Smash Youth Project provides 1-to-1 NEET support, including mentoring, stating “The mentoring will ensure that each participant has constant support from start to finish – we will help understand their barriers & challenges, develop & implement plans to address them and provide reliable support to achieve outcomes.”
Similarly EET Group’s programme “is specifically designed to help young people gain the knowledge and experience they need to find and secure a good job – helping them progress directly to employment, an apprenticeship or further training.” In addition, they “provide support to students who have been identified as ‘at risk’ of NEET, a Pre-NEET… designed to engage participants, provide practical tools to break destructive patterns, offer a safe space to be heard, and deliver an empowering boost to their self-esteem.”
Why Does Mentoring Work?
The thing is, mentoring for young people is far more than simply offering advice. It’s a dynamic relationship built on trust, respect, and a shared commitment to the mentee’s growth.
It can make a profound difference by:
- Clarifying Aspirations and Exploring Options: Many young people, especially those without clear career goals, benefit immensely from a mentor who can help them explore their interests, identify their strengths, and connect these to potential career paths. A mentor can introduce them to various industries, roles, and even the realities of day-to-day work, demystifying often abstract concepts.
- Building Confidence and Self-Belief: The job market can be intimidating, leading to self-doubt. A mentor acts as a cheerleader, affirming a young person’s potential, celebrating their small victories, and helping them overcome setbacks. This consistent positive reinforcement is crucial for building the resilience and self-belief needed to pursue ambitious goals.
- Developing Essential Skills: Beyond academic knowledge, success in any career requires a range of soft skills – communication, problem-solving, networking, critical thinking, and professionalism. Mentors, through their own experiences, can provide practical insights and guidance on developing these vital skills, often through real-world examples and constructive feedback.
- Expanding Networks and Opening Doors: A significant advantage of having a mentor is access to their professional network. Mentors can connect young people with individuals in their desired fields, leading to informational interviews, work experience opportunities, or even potential job leads that might otherwise be inaccessible. This “insider” perspective is invaluable.
- Navigating Challenges and Setbacks: The career journey is rarely linear. Young people, particularly those who are NEET, may face unique challenges such as limited experience, lack of qualifications, or societal stereotypes. A mentor can provide a safe space to discuss these difficulties, offer strategies for overcoming obstacles, and help them maintain motivation even when facing rejection.
- Providing Role Models and Inspiration: Seeing someone who has successfully navigated their own career path can be incredibly inspiring. Mentors serve as tangible role models, demonstrating what’s possible and offering a glimpse into the future. Their journey, including their own struggles and triumphs, can provide valuable lessons and encouragement.
- Fostering a Growth Mindset: A good mentor instils a growth mindset, encouraging continuous learning, adaptability, and a willingness to embrace new challenges. In a rapidly changing job market, this adaptability is paramount for long-term career success.
What This Means Going Forward
Young people classed as NEET may face a range of challenges, but mentoring has been shown to have a profoundly positive impact on their lives. By providing them with the guidance, support, and connections they need, we empower them to make informed career choices, develop essential skills, and contribute meaningfully to society.
For organisations developing and delivering mentoring programmes, the message is clear: the demand for effective, well-trained mentors is only growing. By equipping individuals with the skills to fulfil this role to the best of their ability, we can collectively ensure that every young person, regardless of their starting point, has the opportunity to navigate their career prospects with confidence and ultimately, thrive.
To learn more about supporting young people, check out our specialised training.