What the data tells us about NEETs seeking employment

Early Careers Survey respondents not in education, employment or training tend to have a strong desire to enter the workforce, but struggle to stay motivated and can often have a less focused approach to their job search

This series is taking an in-depth look at responses to the Early Careers Survey from those people who were not in education, employment or training (NEETs) when the research took place. In the first part, many expressed uncertainty and a lack of optimism about their career plans.

Now, we turn our attention to those NEETs who were actively planning their next steps - specifically, those intending to look for a job or apprenticeship. Drawing on fresh insights from the Early Careers Survey, we examine the aspirations, challenges and support needs of these individuals as they prepare to enter the labour market.

NEET respondents eager to enter workforce despite pessimism

When asked about their next steps, most said they planned to start or apply for a job (38%) or explore job and further study options (16%). A further 4% reported plans to pursue an apprenticeship or training scheme.

Despite expressing more pessimism about their career prospects than other surveyed groups, NEET respondents were notably more likely to say they felt ready to enter the workforce. Nearly two-thirds (65%) said they felt 'fairly' or 'very' prepared to get a job or apprenticeship, compared with 61% of those currently in education, employment or training who indicated that they planned to apply for a job or apprenticeship as the next step in their career. This further illustrates their eagerness to enter the work force.

,Percentage of respondents
Accountancy banking and finance,11
Business consulting and management,21
Charity and voluntary work,21
Construction and property,6
Creative arts and design,21
Digital media publishing and journalism,20
Engineering and manufacturing,9
Environment conservation and agriculture,15
Government public services and administration,21
Healthcare and psychology,18
HR,11
IT and telecoms,19
Law,10
Leisure sports tourism and hospitality,8
Logistics supply chain and transport,6
Marketing advertising and PR,15
Police armed forces and security,7
Recruitment and sales,5
Research information management and analysis,26
Retail and procurement,6
Science and pharmaceuticals,14
Skilled trades crafts and other vocational occupations,7
Social care,7
Teaching and education,17
Other,6
Not sure,8

This eagerness was also reflected in job-seeking behaviour. In the latest survey, 90% of NEET respondents said they had looked for a job or apprenticeship, compared with 80% of respondents in education, employment or training. Among NEETs aged 18 to 24, this figure rose to 95%.

Staying motivated in the job search is a struggle

When asked to rank factors by importance when looking for a job or apprenticeship, both NEET respondents and those in employment, education or training placed training and development opportunities, and skill requirements, among their top three priorities. However, notable differences emerged elsewhere. While those in employment, education or training ranked salary as the most important factor, NEET respondents placed it fifth, instead identifying work-life balance as their second most important consideration.

Moreover, despite placing a similar level of importance on skill requirements, NEET respondents were 1.3 times more likely than their counterparts to report struggling to find a job or apprenticeship because they lacked the necessary skills. More broadly, as shown in the table above, NEET respondents were more likely to report difficulties across every aspect of the job search process. Many reported struggling with a lack of work experience, while also finding it difficult to identify suitable opportunities in an increasingly competitive labour market.

Against this backdrop, it is perhaps unsurprising that NEET respondents also reported lower levels of confidence and motivation during their job search. The combination of skills gaps, limited work experience and difficulties identifying suitable opportunities may help explain why, despite their clear intention to enter the workforce, they were more likely than others to feel pessimistic about their career prospects.

NEETs more likely to employ a less focused job hunting strategy

NEET respondents appeared more likely to adopt a less focused job-search strategy. A third reported submitting more than 50 job applications in 2024, compared with 19% of those in education, employment or training. Rather than concentrating on a smaller number of carefully selected opportunities, many appeared to be casting a wider net in an effort to improve their chances of securing work. A pattern that was even more pronounced among those aged 18 to 24, with 38% stating that they submitted more than 50 applications in 2025.

Furthermore, NEETs were more likely to say they were applying for as many roles as possible to improve their chances of getting a job. This broad, high-volume approach reflects both their determination to secure employment and the urgency they feel in the face of limited opportunities.

When asked where they were looking for opportunities, NEET respondents indicated that they most often looked for opportunities on job websites, employer websites and social media.

These findings paint a complex picture of NEET respondents - primarily young people who, despite facing significant barriers, remain determined to enter or re-enter the workforce. Their high levels of job-seeking activity and willingness to apply broadly reflect a strong desire to move forward, even in the face of limited opportunities and low confidence. Nevertheless, these young people need targeted support to help them build skills, navigate the job market, and remain motivated.

Also in this series:

• Navigating uncertainty: understanding the career challenges faced by NEETs
• Information gap exists for NEETs who want to study

Written by

Micha-Shannon Smith

Information analyst

Prospects Luminate