Fixing entry-level pathways into work

19 May 2026

Concern about young people transitioning from education into work is rising, and with nearly one million not in education, employment or training (NEET), the issue is not whether the system must improve, but where to act first. 'Many young people with ambition lack a clear, supported route into adulthood', writes Tom Hoines, Energy Services Director for Reed Environment.

For those at risk of becoming NEET, traditional pathways are often inaccessible. What’s missing is a structured first step, especially at Levels 1 and 2, that builds confidence, develops core skills, and leads to sustained employment.

OEA’s Tools for Tomorrow programme in Witney shows what works. Over six months, disengaged young people trained in a dedicated facility, gaining a Level 2 Plumbing qualification alongside employability support and fully funded essentials. Two-thirds completed the programme, with a third progressing into jobs or apprenticeships, despite initially facing barriers like low confidence and limited experience.

This highlights a key point: entry-level provision is central, not marginal. Early, practical, and labour market-aligned intervention works, especially as demand grows in sectors like construction and the green economy.

However, funding for Levels 1 and 2 remains limited, restricting providers’ ability to scale proven models. As a result, young people miss opportunities and employers face ongoing skills shortages.

The solution is not large-scale reform, but targeted change: more flexible funding, better alignment with labour market needs, and greater support for innovative providers. These steps would strengthen entry routes into work and build the workforce pipeline the economy needs.

We don’t need to rebuild the system, but we must ensure it works where it matters most - at the start.