young people aged 16 to 24 were NEET in the UK
April to June 2026 estimate, equivalent to 13.0% of the age group.
Source: ONS, August 2026The need, and how we will measure change
What needs to change
for young people?
Tackling the barriers behind the NEET figures in Wales takes more than one course or a promise of jobs. These UK and Wales figures show why young people need practical ways to explore their strengths, develop skills and move forward. Fentro will begin that work locally in Rhondda Cynon Taf.
The current picture
Young people are being left without a clear next step.
of 16 to 24-year-olds in Wales were estimated to be NEET
Year ending December 2025, the latest annual Welsh estimate cited in Fentro’s Wales analysis.
Source: Welsh Government, April 2026is when Fentro’s first pilot begins
Rhondda Cynon Taf is the first location. Funding will help us reach more young people and widen the experiences available.
About FentroWhat we want to learn
What changed, for whom, and did it last?
We will look at who takes part, what they learn, whether their confidence grows and what they do next. That could mean returning to education, finding work, building an enterprise idea or connecting with specialist support.
We will ask young people what helped, what got in the way and what we should change. We also want to know whether their next step lasts.
How we will report
Baseline
Starting circumstances, strengths, goals, barriers and support needs.
Delivery
Attendance, engagement, activities, quality and participant experience.
Progression
Verified next steps and appropriate follow-up after the programme.
Learning
What worked, what did not, who benefited least and what changes next.