The RSA's "Finding Employment and Education Discovery Framework" maps out some of the barriers and solutions to helping young people get into the education, employment and training that is right for them through their discovery matrix.

1. Finding
Employment
and Education
for Young People
A Discovery Framework
Benedict Dellot,
Julian Thompson
and Gerard Darby
December 2011

2. Contents
About the Interactivism Challenge 3
About the Discovery Framework 4
1 // Context 6
2 // Challenge Question 8
3 // Barriers 9
4 // Inspirations 11
5 // Design Principles 14
6 // Framework Matrix 16
Finding Employment and Education for Young People: A Discovery Framework 1

3. The RSA in
partnership with
2

4. About the Interactivism Challenge
Amidst acute concern for the welfare opportunities that are right for them.
and future of young people classed as This is the latest in Google’s series of
“NEET”1 in UK society, policymakers ‘Interactivism’ Challenges, designed to
are eagerly searching for innovative harness the power of technology for
approaches to improve their prospects. social good. In running this Challenge,
Although concerns have recently Google is working in partnership with
been raised about the negative role the RSA, FutureGov and Livity.
internet and social media can play in Participants will be asked to submit
the lives of disengaged young people, their ideas to the Challenge from early
there has been little to balance this December 2011 until late January
account with illustrations of how it 2012. Those shortlisted will then be
can help them reconnect with society, invited to an intensive ‘Hackathon’
motivate themselves and improve event where they will work with Google
their life chances through education software engineers to turn their idea
and employment. into a working software prototype.
Against this backdrop, Google In order to help the Challenge
has unveiled a new Challenge, participants identify a new idea,
asking people of all backgrounds – this ‘Discovery Framework’ document
software developers, young people, summaries some of what we know about
professional practitioners, teachers the problem and opportunities facing
and policymakers of all levels – to young people, and what has already
put forward innovative ideas for how worked well in supporting them.
the internet and technology could
support young people. These would
be geared towards directing, inspiring, 1. NEET refers to young people who are
persuading or enabling young people to not in any form of education, employment or
training.
access the education, jobs, or training
Finding Employment and Education for Young People: A Discovery Framework 3

5. About the
Discovery
Framework
This paper outlines the beginnings of a In order to build the Framework we principles are being used, this table
‘Discovery Framework’ which will aid par­ follow a given process: can then be used to identify new areas
ticipants in the Interactivism Challenge. 1. Describe the context, in terms of a of opportunity
The Discovery Framework social issue or problem that is being The strength of the Discovery
method was created and honed over tackled Framework lies in its ability to examine
three decades by Ashoka, an internation­ 2. Outline a Challenge Question which potential solutions in the context of
al network of social entrepreneurs who summarises the goal multiple barriers and other existing
work together to solve some of the 3. Identify the core barriers which are initiatives. It encourages users to
world’s most intractable problems.2 hampering efforts to find a solution systematically identify and analyse
In order to assist the generation of to that goal each, and clearly indicates where sol­
original and useful ideas, the Framework 4. Pull together ‘inspirations’; exemplar utions might be better targeted and
is designed to help people better under­ initiatives already working to over­ which design principles could be better
stand the dimensions of a given problem come these barriers employed. The Framework also benefits
and its likely causes, as well as the 5. Draw out common design from placing a strong emphasis on exem­
factors that may be common to effec­ principles which have proven plar initiatives. This allows those using
tive solutions. The approach results in instrumental in addressing the it to draw upon the valuable insights of
a Framework ‘Matrix’ diagram which Challenge social innovators who have first­hand
problem­solvers can use to identify 6. Create a Framework Matrix. experience in tackling these issues.
gaps in existing approaches, and find For this Google Interactivism
opportunities for social innovation. The This provides an overview of the Challenge, the task will be for partici­
aim is to prompt what Ashoka call the design principles different initiatives pants to use this Framework to find an
“a­ha” moment of recognition, in which are using to overcome particular bar­ area where a new use of web technology
a person pairs a powerful idea with riers. Depending on which barriers might be able to add value in supporting
a currently unmet need. are being addressed and which design young people. We have developed
4

6. 1 // ConTexT 2 // Challenge QuesTion 3 // Barriers
4 // inspiraTions 5 // Design prinCiples 6 // FraMework MaTrix
an indicative Framework for this of this Challenge is such that we do 2. For another example of how the
particular Challenge, based on a mixture not expect this to be a comprehensive Discovery Framework has been used, see
of desk research and correspondence account of what prevents and what C. Brown et al. Leveraging Business for Social
Change. Available: www.changemakers.
with leading stakeholders, as well enables young people to achieve their
com/sites/default/files/Artemisia_Discovery_
as a focus group with young people potential. framework_Pre_competition_April_2010.pdf
and a roundtable with those working in The rest of this paper will dedicated
this field. While we have attempted to to guiding you through each stage of the
be thorough in our research, the scope Framework.
Finding Employment and Education for Young People: A Discovery Framework 5

7. 1 // Context
Despite having recently emerged from in education, employment or training.
one of the deepest recessions in living Therefore for accuracy we will occasion­
memory, the combination of a fragile ally refer to the term throughout the
economic recovery and a significant document.
programme of public sector spending Some key statistics highlight the
cuts has ensured that the experience various challenges young people face:
of austerity continues for many people • Estimates suggest that the cost of
across the country. Among those most supporting young people not in
affected by these financial difficulties education, employment or training
are the rising numbers of young people amounts to as much as £4.6 billion
who are not in any form of education, a year 4
employment or training. According to • The probability of a graduate
the latest figures from the Department becoming unemployed is 10 per cent,
for Education, nearly 20 per cent of whereas the chance of somebody
18–24 year olds are classified as “NEET” with lower than level 3 qualifications
and over 1 million young people (A levels, NVQs etc.) becoming
are unemployed.3 unemployed is 30 per cent 5
Throughout this paper we will draw • Research suggests that one in five
upon the term NEET to describe young young people classed as NEET
people currently in some form of eco­ think that life is not worth living,
nomic or social hardship. While we do compared to one in ten of the
not want to rely too heavily on the term, general population. 37 per cent of
1 // ConTexT many of the figures and papers which we young people in this situation claim
reference are applicable only to those not to be often or always depressed as
6

8. opposed to 27 per cent of the wider education authorities to cooperate with • Funding 24 new university technical
younger population local partners in delivering education colleges for 14–18 year olds, special­
• One study found that 69 per cent6 and training services to 14–19 year ising in technical skills such as
of young people not in education, olds; and the creation of a right to an engineering and construction.
employment or training believe their apprenticeship for suitably qualified These will be run as academies
talent is being thrown away, while one 16–19 year olds.
in five abuse alcohol and just over one The Government has also very re­
in ten take drugs7 educational Maintenance allowance cently launched a new ‘Youth Contract’,
• The Department for Education and activity agreements – In a bid to whereby a proportion of employers’
reports that NEET young people encourage more young people to stay costs for taking on young people will be
are more than twice as likely to live on in education, the EMA was intro­ subsidised by the state. From April 2012,
in social sector accommodation as duced by the last government to provide this will aim to provide 400,000 young
the average young person8 financial assistance (£20 – £30 per week) people with employment, work experi­
to young people facing economic hard­ ence or apprenticeship opportunities.
ship. A similar initiative was the Activ­
ity Agreement programme which gave
Estimated per year cost 3. Department for Education. NEET Stat­
a financial incentive for young people
£4.6 billion to participate in activities which would istics – Quarterly Brief (DfE, 24th November
2011).
assist them as they search for suitable
employment or learning. 4. S. Sodha & J. Margo. Ex Curricula
(London: Demos, 2010).
on supporting young people 5. The Guardian. Half of pupils are be­
not in education, employment Future Jobs Fund – The FJF was a
ing consigned ‘to the scrapheap’ by schools
or training £1 billion scheme set up by the previous (The Guardian, 13th March 2011).
government to support young people 6. R. Davis. Making life worth living
back into work. Businesses were paid up (The Guardian, 5th January 2009).
to £6,500 to create jobs which would last 7. FutureYou. FutureYou: A Wasted Genera­
In a bid to address many of these at least 6 months. The scheme finished in tion (FutureYou, 2011).
challenges and assist the life chances March 2011 and was replaced by the cur­ 8. Department for Children, Schools and
of young people, governments past and rent Government’s new work experience Families report cited in R. Davis. Op cit. 2011.
present have designed and implemented programme (see below). 9. The Centre for Social Justice and
various policies. Below details some of the Local Government Association.
the most prominent which have emerged Current Coalition plans – Published Hidden Talents: Re­engaging young people.
over recent years: in May this year, the Government’s ‘Sup­ (London: LGA, 2009).
porting Youth Unemployment’ strategy 10. Ibid.
The national neeTs strategy, 20089 paper has listed a number of proposals 11. The Cabinet Office. Supporting Youth
– This National Strategy transferred the to support young people. This paper Employment: An overview of the Coalition
Government’s approach (London: The Cabinet
lead role for reducing the numbers of includes the following commitments:11 Office, 2011). Available: www.number10.gov.
young people not in education, employ­ • Funding for 250,000 more apprentice­ uk/wp­content/uploads/2011/09/support­
ment or training to local authorities. The ships over the next four years youth­employment.pdf
Strategy included plans for the introduc­ • Funding for 100,000 work placements
tion of a rigorous tracking and ‘destina­ over the next two years. Through this
tion monitoring’ process; the reform of ‘work experience programme’, 18–21
the qualifications framework to ensure year olds are matched with employers
a greater number of diverse and flex­ and work unpaid for up to 8 weeks,
ible courses; personalised guidance and while continuing to receive their
support for young people; and financial benefits
incentives to encourage the take up of • Implementing many of the recom­
further education. mendations in the Wolf review of
vocational learning. This includes
The education and skills act 2008 ensuring that young people continue
and the apprenticeships, skills learning Maths and English to age 19
and learning act 200910 – these acts until they achieve a good qualification
enshrined many of the above plans in those subjects
into law. The act included a duty on all • Establishing a £10m per annum
young people in England to participate Innovation Fund to help delivery
in education and training until the age organisations experiment with
of 18; the transfer of responsibility for innovative ways of helping young
delivering Connexions services to local people not in education, employment
authorities; a requirement for local or training
Finding Employment and Education for Young People: A Discovery Framework 7

9. 2 // Challenge QuesTion
2 // Challenge
Question
against this backdrop, we have set the following Challenge Question for participants:
“How can we better harness the web to
help young people get the work, education
or training that is right for them?”
8

10. 3 // Barriers
In answering the Challenge Question, we to emerge from their research is that
must first look at the barriers preventing many of the vocational qualifications
young people from achieving significant that young people are encouraged to
and sustained employment, education aim for turn out to be of little value in
and training. What follows is a list of the providing them with the skills they need
most prominent obstacles facing young to be work­ready. Other research has
people. While we acknowledge that one shown that vocational qualifications
of the main barriers to employment is often fail to develop practical talents
the fragile economic climate and scarcity because there is no clear progression
of long­term job opportunities, this is route from one vocational qualification
to a large extent a major structural issue to the next. Added to this, many young
which we believe is beyond the scope of people fare poorly in the core subjects
what Challenge participants would be of English and Maths early on in their
able to address. education. In England, for instance,
8% of children leave primary school
A lack of hard and soft skills with very low levels of literacy and/or
needed for employment numeracy.13
According to an influential report From the experts and practitioners
by Demos, The Forgotten Half, some we have already spoken to, there is also
secondary schools routinely neglect a general sense that young people are
pupils with vocational aspirations, not acquiring the right ‘soft skills’ neces­
have poor links with businesses and sary to find sustained employment. For
3 // Barriers undervalue the importance of part­ instance, an attendee from the Challenge
time work.12 One of the key findings roundtable suggested that the most
Finding Employment and Education for Young People: A Discovery Framework 9

11. critical factor in hampering young peo­ attending our roundtable emphasised its suitability, and are considered to
ple’s progress is their poor communica­ the damage that “psychological barri­ be uncaring, intimidating and driven
tion skills. The young people who we ers” such as these can play in damaging by targets.19
spoke to at Livity emphasised how im­ the life chances of young people. The young people we spoke to
portant certain adult mentors (informal Evidence from government surveys at Livity had mixed feelings about
and formal) had been in helping them suggests that staying­on in education or Connexions, with some praising their
acquire these soft skills. finding a job is heavily influenced by the assistance and others feeling that
circumstances of family and parents. the support service was too focused
Patchy experiences and It is concerning then that a Centre for on achieving targets. Of bigger con­
relationships with formal Social Justice report describes 26 per cern to these young people is the lack
authorities cent of NEETs to be living in a house­ of feedback from the many job applica­
A few of the young people at Livity hold where no one is working.16 Young tions they had sent off. They said this
described a history of poor relationships people also experience little in the way left them feeling despondent and unable
with their teachers, with many claiming of inspiring messages from outside their to see where they could improve.
that they were prone to being disparag­ circle of family and friends. The young
ing about their abilities and future job people we spoke to at Livity saw the me­ Poor coordination between
prospects. Some teachers had explicitly dia portrayal of their peers as too heav­ local services supporting
told them that they would “not achieve ily critical. They also thought that young young people
anything in life”, although a number of people were presented with too many Many strategies for addressing the
the young people suggested that their materialistic messages, giving them NEET in local areas have been ham­
own behaviour in school had been the the wrong kind of aspirations. pered by poor relationships between
cause of these bad relations. Such poor key stakeholders. Demos, for instance,
relationships have only served to amplify found that many schools have poor
25%
existing problems of poor engagement links with local businesses, meaning
and progress at school. that young people miss out on beneficial
work experience.20 Jobcentres have also
The high cost of higher been known to refuse to refer young
and further education of those from unemployed people to the innovative
According to the OECD, after
increasing tuition fees to a maximum
deprived homes training courses of new organisations,
in part because they were not a preferred
of £9,000 we now have the third highest believe that “few” or “none” of or a pre­paid supplier.21
university tuition fees in the developed their career goals are achievable
world.13 Despite the availability of
financial assistance for those on low 12. J. Birdwell, M. Grist and J. Margo.
incomes, many young people from The Forgotten Half (London: Demos, 2011).
deprived backgrounds will inevitably A lack of mentors, 13. Ibid.
be put off by this increase. At the personalised career 14. OECD. Education at a Glance 2011:
same time, there is a growing sense guidance and feedback Highlights (OECD, 2011). Available: www.
oecd.org/dataoecd/61/5/48631550.pdf
that the value of a university degree is Careers services, including Connexions,
15. The Prince’s Trust. Broke, Not Broken:
becoming diluted as greater numbers have faced a considerable funding
Tackling youth poverty and the aspiration gap
of people attend universities. Our squeeze over the past 12 months and (The Prince’s Trust, 2011).
young people also identified the cost will continue to do so for some time. 16. The Centre for Social Justice and the
of retaking GCSEs and the removal of A study by the Institute of Career Local Government Association. Op cit. 2009.
EMA support as key factors in deterring Guidance found half of its members’ 17. Institute of Career Guidance. Uncer­
others like them from continuing employers had made redundancies or tain Futures: The impact of cuts to the careers
in education. issued “at risk” notices.17 This will service on the futures of young people (ICG,
put increasing pressure on an already 2011).
Low or unrealistic aspirations fragile and limited provision of careers 18. City & Guilds Centre for Skills Develop­
and fragile self-confidence support; a quarter of teenagers already ment. New Directions: Young people’s and
The Prince’s Trust report, Broke, not say that they have never received any parents’ views of vocational education and
careers guidance (C&G, 2011).
Broken, found that 25 per cent of those careers advice.18 Of those services
19. Children and Young People Now. Neet
from deprived homes believe that “few” that stay, the concern is that many
strategy not fit for purpose (CYPN, 9th March
or “none” of their career goals are will continue to direct young people 2010).
achievable, as opposed to just 7 per cent to jobs and other opportunities which 20. J. Birdwell, M. Grist and J. Margo.
of those from more affluent families.15 they are not suited to or interested in. Op cit. 2011.
What is more, one in six of those from Research by Children and Young People 21. See for example CDI Europe. [Blog].
poor homes say their family and friends Now found that some Jobcentre Plus From NEETs to schools: a shift in channels
have made fun of them when they talk advisers put pressure on young people (18th April 2011). Available: http://cdieurope.
about finding a good job. Many of those to apply for any vacancy regardless of eu/2011/04/18/neets­schools­shift­channels/
10

12. 4 // Inspirations
Before considering how these barriers CV writing and interviews. Since their
might be overcome, it is important to launch in 2010, they have helped a third
examine existing and past responses of their members find work and employ­
to these challenges. Below we outline a ment and 85 per cent of them have felt
selection of inspiring initiatives currently more positive about the future.
working to improve the prospects of
young people across the country. These inverness Training hotel – Due to open
are a mixture of social enterprises, in 2014 with the support of the Calman
charities, local government schemes, Trust, the Inverness Training Hotel will
technological innovations and business be a social enterprise geared towards
initiatives. providing on­the­job hospitality training
to disadvantaged youngsters, while still
FutureYou – FutureYou is an online retaining a profit­making element.23 The
support service offering advice to 14–25 hotel, loosely based on Rotterdam’s Art
year olds. Young people can use the Fu­ & Woonhotel, is intended to be like any
tureYou website to talk in real time with other four­star accommodation but with
either trained counsellors or with other specially designed kitchens and training
young people who have recently experi­ workshops for young people.
enced, or are still experiencing, similar
issues.22 FutureYou provides training and The prince’s Trust – Through a number
accreditation to anybody aged 14+ wish­ of programmes taking place across the
ing to sign up as a mentor. The website UK, The Prince’s Trust aims to support
4 // inspiraTions also contains a Virtual Library of useful NEET young people get back into em­
resources, for instance guidance on ployment, education or training.24 Their
Finding Employment and Education for Young People: A Discovery Framework 11

13. work is particularly focused on those already NEET; and providing a good
Box 1 // Findings from the who are struggling in school, are in or quality IAG service. Their initiatives
Challenge Roundtable leaving care, are long­term unemployed included creating an online 14–19
In order to both build momentum for and who have been in trouble with the prospectus and forming partnership
the Challenge and to test the credibility law. Their activities include: agreements and progression targets for
of the Framework, we presented this • The Team Programme – a 12­week schools and Connexions. They also
document to a selection of policymak- personal development course, de­ established ‘Ambition Barnsley’, a careers
ers, social entrepreneurs, leading lights signed to help young people uncover fair based around diplomas, and have
in the business community and young hidden talents, take responsibility implemented a red/amber/green (RAG)
people at a roundtable event in Novem-
for tasks, develop team­working and rating for year 11 students.
ber 2011. These experienced stake-
communication skills, gain aware­
holders were provided with an oppor-
ness of their local community and The Yard project, lowestoft – The Yard
tunity to reflect and comment on the
content of the Framework, particularly
gain recognised qualifications. Young Project is a Community Interest Com­
the barriers and the design principles people join a team of up to 15 par­ pany which took over a derelict builder’s
that any new initiative supporting young ticipants, comprising around 12 yard and, with the help of young peo­
people should bear in mind. The rich set unemployed people and one or two ple, transformed it into a community
of insights that were raised throughout employed people sponsored by their resource.26 Key to the project was the
the discussion can be distilled into five employers. Team members are en­ involvement of the local community
overarching recommendations for par- couraged to think about their futures and the emphasis on sharing skills and
ticipants in the Challenge: and prepare a post­programme devel­ expertise between the three generations
1. Follow a holistic approach which opment plan. More than 70 per cent of trainees involved in the building work.
takes into account the specific of participants go on to jobs, training
needs of young people and their or education within 3 months.
life journeys • Get Started – short courses run by More than
70%
2. Recognise the value in offline face- professional tutors which use sport,
to-face support for young people music and the creative arts to increase
and try and dovetail any new online confidence, skills and employability.
interventions with existing initiatives Participants undertake a minimum of
working on the ground 5 days group activity, culminating in a of Prince’s Trust participants
3. Get beyond a deficit model and final challenge or celebration bringing go on to jobs, training or
stress the strengths of young peo-
ple, what they are good at and what
together the skills they have learnt. education within 3 months
• Get Into – short courses develop­
they can achieve
ing young people’s skills in a specific
4. Create opportunities for relation-
sector, from construction to hospital­
ships to be fostered, such as those
between young people who find
ity. Sectors are chosen according to project 17, hounslow – Launched in
themselves in different circum- regional employment needs. Courses 2008, the Project 17 scheme involves
stances and those between young vary from 2–6 weeks and contain youth workers in Hounslow visiting the
people and businesses (particularly a mixture of practical training and homes of individuals who have been
SMEs and big brands) experience. listed as NEET or ‘unknowns’ by the lo­
5. Appreciate the value of personal • The Enterprise Programme – sup­ cal Connexions service.27 These mainly
connections between young peo- ports young people interested in self part­time workers offer emotional sup­
ple and those supporting them, employment to test their ideas, write port, help write CVs, accompany young
whether that is an inspiring teacher plans and start their own businesses. people to appointments, keep track of
or a motivational key worker • Community Cash Awards – up to their progress and build relationships
£3,000 is awarded to young people with anxious parents. The scheme led
Towards the end of the discussion, to design projects that will benefit to a 3.9% reduction in the numbers of
we also asked attendees to think of the local community. NEET young people in its first two years
any innovative ideas that might set and a dramatic reduction in the number
the ball rolling for the Challenge. The Barnsley neeT strategy – Barnsley of ‘unknowns’.
suggestions that were raised include: a local authority won an award for their
professional networking website akin strategy to address its significantly The Bright ideas Trust – The Bright
to a youth LinkedIn; an app that enables high levels of youth unemployment.25 Ideas Trust invests in young people’s
young people to gain points which can They singled out partnership working ideas by loaning them at least £5,000
then be traded for something which will
as key to their success, as well as to help cover the costs of setting up a
support them into suitable employment
their adherence to five key priorities business.28 Loan repayments are fed back
or training; and an app which allows
for delivering their strategy: effective into the charity’s operations. The Trust
friends to highlight one another’s quali-
ties and skills through social media plat-
tracking and sharing of information; also offers advice and mentoring to turn
forms such as Facebook and Google+. prevention; provision of training and business ideas into real ventures. App­
learning; working with young people licants have to be between 16 and 30,
12

14. be based in London and not be in • South West College worked with 24. See www.princes­trust.org.uk/
education, employment or training. Astute Labs to produce an app which 25. Centre for Social Justice and the Local
enables users to find training using ‘de­ Government Association. Op cit. 2009.
Young researchers network – cision pathways’. By answering a series 26. Ibid.
The National Youth Agency provided of simple multiple choice questions the 27. See www.c4eo.org.uk/themes/youth/
research grants to Nottingham City application will lead the user to a pro­ vlpdetails.aspx?lpeid=306
Council, Hertsmere Borough Council gramme which suits their specific needs. 28. See www.brightideastrust.com/
and Swindon Borough Council to recruit 29. See www.nya.org.uk/integrated­youth­
and train young people as co­researchers The Mobile learning network support­services/young­researcher­network
looking into the effectiveness of youth (MoleneT) – MoLeNET aims to 30. See www.virtual­college.co.uk/news/
services and NEET programmes.29 introduce and support mobile learning newsitem.aspx?id=c57
Hertsmere used the funding to establish in education and training by using new 31. See www.headliners.org/
a young researchers group who work technologies.32 One particular project in 32. See www.molenet.org.uk/
alongside borough officials to develop Accrington and Rossendale College used 33. See www.thesite.org/
and design youth services. group text reminders to keep in touch
with students, to motivate them and to
Virtual College – Virtual College, ensure that they turned up to classes. Oth­
based in Ilkley, has recently launched er colleges involved in the projects noted
an initiative offering free e­learning that the mobile technologies made them
courses to young people not in edu­ feel more part of the college community .
cation, employment or training.30 The
suite of 6 free interactive and internet­ Thesite.org – TheSite.org aims to be
based courses will provide learners the first place all young adults turn to
with the knowledge to know where to when they need support and guidance.33
look for job opportunities; to know All information and advice is intended
how to complete an application form; to be impartial, allowing people to
and to understand how to climb the make their own decisions. The website
career ladder. For young people these provides factsheets and articles on key is­
free courses offer a means of accessing sues facing young people, including: sex
training at their pace and are a likely and relationships; drinking and drugs;
route to more in­depth training. work and study; housing; legal issues
and finances; and health and wellbeing.
headliners uk – Headliners is a charity TheSite.org also have a peer­to­peer sup­
which aims to inspire and encourage the port system where young people can pro­
personal development of young people vide advice to one another.
through journalism. Young people are
trained to produce stories on issues noise – The national NOISE charity
important to them for publication and increases the social mobility of young
broadcast in national and local news­ people under 30, many of whom are
papers, magazines, television, radio and disadvantaged by physical, social and
online.31 Young people are involved in economic circumstances. Through
decision making at every level and can NOISEfestival.com, young people build
become trustees after the age of 18. creative portfolios, develop skills and
Issues so far covered include gang wars, access professional networks. Noise
HIV/AIDs and size zero women. enables them to gain income from their
creativity via a biennial Festival showcas­
Calderdale & kirklees Careers and ing some of their best work, as well as
south west College apps – Two apps through events which take place in gal­
have recently been developed to support leries across the UK. Among those pro­
young people: moting and endorsing the young people’s
• Calderdale & Kirklees Careers part­ submissions are Zaha Haid, Sir Norman
nered up with app developer Looking Rosenthal and Badly Drawn Boy.
Local to develop an app specifically
targeting NEET young people. The
app offers young people information
about local job opportunities and also 22. See www.thefutureyou.org.uk/
enables personal career advisors to ac­ 23. I. Grigor. Social enterprises tack­
cess information out of the office and ling youth unemployment (The Guardian,
in other informal environments. 15th February 2011).
Finding Employment and Education for Young People: A Discovery Framework 13

15. 5 // Design
Principles
Based on the common characteristics to provide a single point of access for
seen in the most successful initiatives young people, enable service providers
supporting young people, we have as­ to easily share resources, prevent the
sembled a list of key design principles duplication of efforts, and gear the
which will help to inform further inter­ development of services to the needs
ventions. These include: of young people, rather than the
professional interests of those providing
Highlight the potential them. One authority indicates that the
The term “NEET” has a number of number of NEET young people dropped
negative connotations and to an extent to the lowest level in five years after
creates a barrier for young people in it­ it introduced a youth services ‘hub’,
self. One of the clearest messages emerg­ where youth workers broker young
ing from our roundtable discussion was people’s access to the services they
that we should attempt to get beyond need, for instance housing information,
the deficit model currently shaping both careers advice and news of training
public opinion and policy initiatives. opportunities.34
Young people have a great deal of assets
not found in the rest of the population Relationships matter
and these should be drawn out and The ability of initiatives designed
made visible. to raise the aspirations of NEETs
are dependent on involving the
Bring it all together whole of the community in their
5 // Design prinCiples According to many accounts, integrating delivery, including parents, teachers
local youth services together can help and businesses. The Engaging Youth
14

16. Make it personal personal interaction and shared activi­
Box 2 // Brainstorm with Young people progress at different rates ties, and that provide information in a
young people at Livity: and this should be reflected in any new clear and non­patronising way.39 It is
implications for using models of support. The Centre for also important to recognise that young
technology Social Justice has grouped NEET young people are not the ‘digital natives’ they
Towards the end of our brainstorm people into three different categories ac­ are widely assumed to be, and that they
with the young people from Livity, we cording to their attitudes: The Open to are more likely to use apps that contain
discussed what role technology could Learning group who are positive about a social element than those that are
play in supporting young people to get education and are likely to re­enter solely geared towards learning and work.
the jobs, education or training that is training; the Sustained NEET group who The MoLeNET technology project fo­
right for them. When it was suggested have a low educational attainment and cused much of its attention on mobiles,
that any new software might be avail- have had a poor experience at school; knowing that these were the devices
able on a platform such as the iPhone, and the Undecided NEET group who that young people were more likely to
they were quick to point out that few have little sense of what they intend to interact with. Likewise, the South West
of their peers have smartphones. do.36 Initiatives should be flexible so that College app used simple questions on its
They also said that even if they were young people can learn at their own pace app (‘decision pathways’) to direct young
to have these phones, they were not and within different locations. As part people to the appropriate opportunities,
sure that many were likely to download
of this, we should also recognise that not rather than complex signposting.
and use the app. When asked what we
all training or employment is suitable for
should bear in mind when developing
web-based approaches to support-
every individual. The Prince’s Trust and Stay the distance
ing young people, they gave a number
the Wolf report have already criticised A number of the experts and
of suggestions: the current provision of vocational practitioners we have spoken to
• Allow young people to personalise training in the UK,37 while Demos have pointed out that young people should
their use of the technology argued that much of the training young be provided with on­going pastoral
• Never try to be “down with the people are encouraged to aim for proves support and mentoring, even after they
kids” in language or tone. It loses of little value in the end.38 They go so far have acquired employment, training or
credibility as to recommend that schools actively education. Any new initiatives seeking
• Always remember that the pro- discourage young people from taking up to help young people should consider
gramme is about young people, low­level vocational qualifications. Ini­ including some element of befriending
not adults tiatives supporting young people should and listening support, in addition to
• Appeal to the mass market and use follow this lead and only direct them to providing information, advice and
‘guerrilla’ tactics to spread the word truly valuable education, employment careers guidance.
and training opportunities.
Enquiry pointed out the importance Create with, not just for 34. N. Crawley­Lyons. How bringing local
of the ‘significant other’ in helping It is now widely assumed that public services together could slash youth unemploy­
ment (The Guardian, 6th September 2011).
to re­engage people into education services can be made more effective and
and training,35 while FutureYou have better tailored to the needs of users if 35. G. Hayward, S. Wilde and R. Williams.
Engaging youth enquiry (Rathbone and Nuf­
shown that young people want support they are co­produced alongside them. field Review, 2008).
from people their age, their families and The Young Researchers Network in 36. Centre for Social Justice and the Local
working people they can take realistic Hertsmere demonstrates how young peo­ Government Association. Op cit. 2009.
advice from. A young person at our ple can be directly involved in evaluat­ 37. A. Wolf. Review of Vocational Educa­
Challenge roundtable event spoke of ing and subsequently making suggested tion – The Wolf Report (DfE, 2011).
how having a close relationship with improvements to the youth services they 38. In their report, The Forgotten Half,
their key worker gave that supportive access. Likewise, much can be learned Demos note how current vocational train­
person greater leverage to challenge from innovative governance models such ing has three main problems: the lack of high
them. In addition, involving employers as that used by Headliners, where young quality vocational curricula that can combine
in this kind of support will be critical people involved in the project are invited academic and practical learning with the needs
of business; the lack of schools preparation for
to ensuring that work experience to become trustees after the age of 18.
post­16 vocational training opportunities; and
programmes are made available and In terms of co­delivery, the peer­to­peer a herding of too many people into studying
that training is better attuned to mentoring services seen on websites such for only low­level NVQ qualifications post­16
local economic needs. Many of the as FutureYou have proven highly popular which have little value in the work place. They
stakeholders attending the roundtable with young people. strongly argue for training and teaching which
highlighted that big brands can be develops core literacy and numeracy skills, and
valuable sources of support, given their Technology for all which use creative approaches to build ‘soft
skills’ and ‘character capabilities’.
traction with young people. Starbucks According to a Channel 4 report on UK
39. For more information see K. Royle.
and Marks and Spencer’s, for example, ‘tribes’, young people have a preference
The breadth and scope of computer games in
already provide opportunities to young for social media platforms that allow learning (University of Wolverhampton, 2010).
people through The Prince’s Trust. them to belong to a group, that enable
Finding Employment and Education for Young People: A Discovery Framework 15

17. 6 // FraMework MaTrix
6 // Framework
Matrix
16

18. Framework Matrix
The final stage of developing the the Inverness Training Hotel emphasises young people, based on which barriers
Framework is to construct a ‘Matrix’ the importance of co-producing and co- appear to be left unaddressed and which
pulling all of our findings together. The delivering services to build the skills of principles seem to be underemployed.
Matrix enables us to see which design young people. For example, could a new solution bring
principles different initiatives are using to The Matrix can be used to identify influential individuals into the mix to
overcome particular barriers. We can see particular areas where a new use of overcome patchy relationships with
from the below table, for instance, that technology might add value in supporting people in authority?
principles
highlight the Bring it all relationships Make it Create with, stay the Technology
potential together matter personal not just for distance for all
Barriers
? ? ?
The prince’s The prince’s inverness MoleneT
a lack of hard
Trust ‘Team Trust Training technology
and soft skills
programme’ ‘get into’ hotel project
patchy
experiences
with formal
authorities
? ? ? ? ? ? ?
The high cost
of he and Fe ? ? ? ? ? ? Virtual
College
low
? ? ? ? ? ?
The prince’s
aspirations /
Trust
self-
‘get started’
confidence
a lack
? ? ?
of mentors,
south west
careers Thesite.org project 17 FutureYou
College app
guidance and
feedback
poor
? ? ? ? ?
Barnsley The Young
coordination
neeT researchers
between
strategy network
services
Finding Employment and Education for Young People: A Discovery Framework 17

19. About the RSA
The rsa has been a source of ideas, innovation
and civic enterprise for over 250 years. In the
light of new challenges and opportunities for
the human race our purpose is to encourage the
development of a principled, prosperous society
by identifying and releasing human potential.
This is reflected in the organisation’s recent
commitment to the pursuit of what it calls
21st century enlightenment.
Through lectures, events, pamphlets and
commissions, the RSA provides a flow of rich
ideas and inspiration for what might be realised
in a more enlightened world; essential to progress
but insufficient without action. RSA Projects aim
to bridge this gap between thinking and action.
We put our ideas to work for the common good.
By researching, designing and testing new ways
of living, we hope to foster a more inventive,
resourceful and fulfilled society. Through our
Fellowship of 27,000 people the RSA aims
to be a source of capacity, commitment and
innovation in communities from the global
to the local. Fellows are actively encouraged
to engage and to develop local and issue-
based initiatives.
About the Enterprise
Programme
The 21st century calls for radical social and
commercial innovation, in a world charac-
terised by explosive population growth, multiple
resource pressures and fundamental challenges
to our prevailing economic model. Globally,
we cannot continue on our current economic
trajectory without facing major systemic failures,
whether natural, social or financial. The RSA is
reviving its tradition of encouraging enterprising
responses to such challenges through the new
Enterprise Programme. Through research, open
innovation and prototyping we look for ways to
help us adapt or innovate our way through the
century ahead. By doing so we aim to create new
kinds of wealth, employment and social value.
For more information about the project,
please go to
www.thersa.org/projects/enterprise
or contact Julian Thompson,
Director of Enterprise on:
+44 (0)20 7451 6853
julian.thomspon@rsa.org.uk

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