The UK’s Youth Jobs Crisis – And How EPIC is Making a Difference

Right now, nearly one million young people in the UK are not in education, employment, or training (NEET). That’s a staggering figure, and behind every number is a young person who feels stuck, lost, or unsure of their next step.

At EPIC, we see potential where others see statistics. We know that with the right support, these young people can build confidence, gain skills, and take charge of their futures. That’s why we’re on a mission to engage, empower, and equip them through entrepreneurship, employability, and personal development.

Why This Matters

Being NEET isn’t just about being out of work or education—it has a lasting impact. Young people in this situation are at higher risk of mental health struggles, financial insecurity, and social isolation. Studies show that those who remain NEET for a long time can lose out on £225,000 in earnings over their lifetime.

And it’s not just individuals who suffer—this crisis costs the UK economy billions every year in lost productivity and social support.

We can’t afford to let these young people fall through the cracks.

EPIC’s Approach: More Than Just Business

At EPIC, we don’t just teach young people how to start a business—we use entrepreneurship as a tool for personal and professional growth. Our Young Business Programme helps them develop essential skills, build networks, and gain real-world experience that prepares them for work, further education, or running their own ventures.

What we offer:

✅ Practical, hands-on learning – Business basics, finance, marketing, and problem-solving.

✅ 1:1 mentoring – Real support from professionals who’ve been there and done it.

✅ Startup funding – A £500 grant to help bring their ideas to life.

✅ Employability & life skills – From CV writing and interview prep to leadership and resilience.

✅ A supportive community – Young people learning and growing together.

The Impact: More Than Just Numbers

For every £1 invested in our programme, we create around £30 in social return—through increased employment, new businesses, and reduced reliance on social services. Our EPIC Young Business Programme creates an average of £26,000 in Social Value Impact for each graduate. On average, EPIC Young Business Programme graduates report as:

• 82% have improved their self-confidence

• 64% have relief from unhappiness or depression

• 55% have improved their sense of purpose and worth

• 55% have improved their confidence in navigating social interactions

• 45% have improved their emotional resilience levels

• 36% have sustained regular group attendance

• 27% have started saving regularly

• 18% have achieved relief from debt

But beyond the stats, we see the real impact in the young people we work with:

🔹 A care leaver who lacked confidence but is now running a thriving online business.

🔹 A young person previously involved in youth justice who secured an apprenticeship through our network.

🔹 A school leaver who had no idea what to do next, now building a sustainable social enterprise.

These stories are why we do what we do.

How You Can Help

We know we can’t tackle this crisis alone. We’re looking for corporate partners, mentors, and funders who want to invest in the next generation. You can:

💡 Offer mentorship to young entrepreneurs.

💰 Provide funding to help expand our impact.

🏢 Create work placements and apprenticeships for our programme graduates.

Let’s Create Real Change

The rise in youth unemployment is a challenge, but it’s also an opportunity—to invest in young people, unlock their potential, and create a stronger future for all of us. At EPIC, we’re doing our part. Will you join us?

📩 Let’s talk: marc.pearson@epicfuture.co.uk 🔗 Learn more: epicfuture.co.uk

#YouthEmployment #NEET #Entrepreneurship #EPIC #SocialImpact #Education #FutureReady