Our research

A three-lane superhighway into work

5 Feb 2026

We are pleased to introduce our latest report, which explores how to strengthen young people's transition from education into work and tackle the rising number of young people who are not in education, employment or training (NEET).

Young people typically enter the workforce through one of three main routes: direct entry into the labour market, apprenticeships or university. But these pathways are not equally structured or accessible. For those who do not go to university, the options can be disjointed and difficult to navigate, with too little support when circumstances change or things go wrong.

The report highlights that young people are at particular risk of disengaging from education and work when pathways are unclear or the support around them falls away.

It sets out practical measures to strengthen each of the three routes and to join them up more coherently, so that every young person has a clear, supported route into meaningful and lasting work. We hope it contributes to a wider conversation about reducing economic inactivity and building sustainable economic growth across the UK.

Download the full report (PDF)

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