Skills Commission Report Launch: “Earning or Learning”

Policy Connect’s Skills Commission is hosting a parliamentary event to launch Earning or Learning: A New Agenda for Youth NEET Reduction. The report draws on evidence from over 200 stakeholders across education, skills, local government, employers and youth organisations. It sets out a practical roadmap to reduce the number of young people aged 16-24 who are not in education, employment or training (NEET) in the UK. The inquiry was co-chaired by Lauren Edwards MP, Lord Shinkwin and Josh Babarinde MP.

The event will present the report’s key recommendations, including reforms to school accountability to embed high-quality technical and vocational routes, financial support to ensure young people are not worse off when choosing to learn or train, and the introduction of a locally led Youth Opportunity Fund to strengthen youth services. It will also explore proposals to improve data sharing, simplify engagement for employers, and scale effective interventions for young people facing mental health challenges or other complex barriers.

We will be joined by the Minister for Employment, Minister for Employment, The Rt Hon Dame Diana Johnson DBE MP and a panel of cross-party parliamentarians, youth employment experts, and local leaders will respond to the findings and discuss how the proposed Youth Guarantee can be delivered in practice across communities. The session will bring together policymakers, local authorities, combined authorities, colleges and training providers, employer bodies, youth services, charities, foundations and researchers with an interest in tackling youth NEET and economic inactivity.

Speakers:

• Lauren Edwards MP
• The Rt Hon Dame Diana Johnson DBE MP, Minister for Employment
• Alyson Hwang, Report Author
• Sarah Yong, Director of Policy & External Affairs, Youth Futures Foundation
• Professor Geraldene Codina, Professor of Inclusion and Special Educational Needs and Disability, University of Derby
• Darren Booth, Group Head of Marketing and Communications, NOCN Group
• Dr Richard Smith, Head of Insights & Intelligence, West Midlands Combined Authority

The Earning or Learning Inquiry was made possible through support from the University of Derby, NOCN Group, Youth Futures Foundation, Jisc and The Institute for the Motor Industry (IMI).

If you’re interested in learning more about this event, please contact communications@policyconnect.org.uk