With nearly one million young people across the UK not in education, employment or training (NEET), finding the right route into work has become an increasingly important challenge.
Education and skills training have a key role to play in helping young people access employment opportunities, and HSDC College Group is supporting students to take their next steps through a range of vocational courses, apprenticeships, T Levels and adult learning opportunities.
The government-commissioned Young People and Work: Interim Report highlights the scale of the issue, revealing that approximately one in eight young people aged 16 to 24 are not currently in education, employment or training.
Kurt Hintz, Principal and CEO of HSDC College Group, believes that a mismatch between the skills people have and those employers are looking for is a significant factor.
“What drives the NEET profile, especially post 18, is that the job market is not matched to the skills that people have.
“The training we deliver is all about giving people the right skills to go into those jobs that are on offer.”
One way HSDC College Group is addressing this skills gap is through its apprenticeship provision. Apprenticeships allow individuals to gain recognised qualifications while developing practical experience in the workplace, giving them the opportunity to learn alongside industry professionals.
Kurt said expanding apprenticeship opportunities and encouraging more employers to take on apprentices is an important part of the solution.
“One of the big things we’re doing is offering many more apprenticeships in different sectors and supporting employers to take on more apprentices, because there genuinely aren’t enough apprenticeships for those who would like to do one.”
Alongside apprenticeships, T Levels offer another route into skilled employment. Combining classroom-based learning with industry placements, they give students the opportunity to develop technical knowledge while gaining valuable experience in a real working environment.
HSDC College Group is also investing in facilities and resources to ensure students can develop skills using industry-standard equipment. More than £1 million has been invested in construction facilities at South Downs College, creating further opportunities for those interested in pursuing careers in the construction industry.
The investment has supported the introduction of Level 1 construction courses, with plans to expand provision to Level 2 next year, giving students further opportunities to develop their skills and progress within the sector.
However, getting into education and employment is not always straightforward, and traditional learning routes do not work for everyone. Recognising this, HSDC College Group offers a range of flexible learning options and additional support to help students overcome barriers and stay engaged with their education.
This includes flexible starting points, access to mentors and work experience opportunities, helping individuals build confidence, gain practical skills and identify a pathway that works for them.
Support is also available for adult learners aged 19 and over, with courses designed for those looking to retrain, develop new skills or return to employment.
With a range of routes into education, training and work, HSDC College Group continues to provide opportunities for people at different stages of their lives to gain the qualifications, experience and confidence needed to move forward.