Leeds Students Join Panel on Youth Employment Challenges

Local college students share insights on tackling NEET crisis

Three students from Leeds College of Building (LCB) recently participated in a panel discussion addressing the challenges faced by young people in securing education, employment, or training opportunities. The event, organised by Leeds City Council, took place at the Hisense Leeds Lounge within Elland Road Stadium and centred on the city’s response to the ongoing NEET (Not in Employment, Education or Training) crisis among 16 to 24-year-olds.

Event Focus and Key Participants

The discussion was part of the Inclusive Growth Partnership Event titled ‘Young people and work: A city conversation’, which followed the publication of an interim report by Alan Milburn on the UK’s NEET situation. The report highlights concerns around youth disengagement and the need for coordinated local efforts.

Opening remarks were delivered by Leeds City Councillors, followed by panel sessions featuring prominent figures from education and sport in Leeds, including:

• Hannah Wilson, Principal of University Technical College
• Peter Slee, Vice Chancellor of Leeds Beckett University
• Bill Jones, Chief Executive Officer of Luminate Education Group
• Stephanie Burras, CBE, Chief Executive of Ahead Partnership
• Jamie Jones-Buchanan, MBE, Chief Executive of Leeds Rhinos

The panels focused on strategies to prevent youth disengagement and support young people into employment, followed by breakout sessions that explored prevention, response, and the perspectives of young people themselves.

Student Perspectives on Starting Careers

LCB students Niamh Ormsby, Danis Magzyanov, and Johnathan Kinghorn spoke candidly about their experiences beginning their careers in Leeds and the support they believe is necessary from educators and employers.

Danis emphasised the importance of early investment in young people, while Johnathan highlighted the challenge of gaining experience when employers often require it upfront. Johnathan, who recently completed an Electrical Installation course at LCB, has secured an apprenticeship and praised the support of LCB Employability Officer Kelly Fulton for assisting him in finding opportunities.

When offering advice to other young people, Johnathan encouraged perseverance, saying: “don’t give up on your dreams.” Danis added that confidence grows with experience and encouraged others to “put yourself out there.”

Niamh, who chose to follow her father into the construction industry, spoke about overcoming judgement for her career choice in bricklaying. She noted the difference between her experiences in high school and college, appreciating the college’s approach to treating students as equals through measures such as a ‘code of conduct’ rather than strict ‘school rules’.

Wider Context: Inclusive Growth Leeds and NEET Report

Inclusive Growth Leeds, launched in 2023, aims to foster economic growth and job creation across the city over the next decade, with goals including generating £20 billion in economic growth and creating 100,000 new jobs.

Alan Milburn’s interim report, published in May, provides an analysis of the NEET crisis and is expected to be followed by a final report later this year.

Further information about the interim report can be found here.