New Partnership Aims to Address Youth NEET Crisis in Leeds

Local Student Joins Campaign to Support Skills and Opportunities

A Leeds College of Building (LCB) student has been involved in the launch of a new strategic partnership focused on tackling the issue of young people not in education, employment or training (NEET) across the north of England. The initiative brings together Leeds Rhinos and Checkatrade to promote skills development, business opportunities and economic growth in the region.

Partnership Launch and Key Participants

The partnership was officially announced during National Apprenticeship Week and featured Finn Beaumont, an LCB student and apprentice at Leeds Rhinos stadium. He was pictured alongside Leeds Rhino Academy player and apprentice Wade White, Checkatrade’s Head of Trade Engagement Emma Grant, and Leeds Rhinos CEO Jamie Jones-Buchanan, MBE.

Objectives and Planned Activities

The collaboration aims to reverse the rising NEET figures by making it easier for young people to start trade businesses and develop clear skills pathways. Key elements of the partnership include:

• A Skills Summit bringing together policymakers and industry leaders to discuss workforce and skills challenges
• ‘Rhino-vation’ community days focused on improving local spaces and encouraging grassroots participation

These activities are designed to support young people in gaining practical experience and contributing positively to their communities.

Context and Local Concerns

Recent data has shown that seven in ten residents in Leeds are worried about the number of young people out of work, with limited job and training opportunities cited as a significant factor. The partnership seeks to address these concerns by creating more accessible routes into employment and training.

Statements from Key Figures

Jamie Jones-Buchanan, CEO of Leeds Rhinos, highlighted the importance of apprenticeships both for individuals and their communities. He said:

“I have been fortunate throughout my life to have been given some incredible opportunities through my involvement with Leeds Rhinos. As a father of a young man embarking on his own apprenticeship, I know how much apprenticeships have to offer for the individual, but almost as importantly what those who gain those skills can offer to their own communities.”

Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, also emphasised the value of apprenticeships and skills training in supporting economic growth and community strength across the region.

Additional Support for Apprentices

In conjunction with the launch, Checkatrade has introduced a new Apprenticeship Portal. This platform offers apprentices benefits such as discounts, training resources and career tools aimed at helping young people succeed in their chosen trades.