Procurement could be government’s secret weapon on NEETs

Much has been said about young people’s need for earlier access to technical education, skills and training. As attention turns to 14–16 education reform and the growing NEET crisis, the government’s new social value approach offers transformative potential, using public procurement to achieve the line of sight the Prime Minister envisions for all young people to develop skills into good jobs.

The opportunity is significant. The new model will directly influence a central government contracts market worth around £90 billion each year, with potential to extend reach to the wider £385 billion annual public procurement spend. Suppliers will be assessed on skills development and job creation including supporting young people into apprenticeships and work placements. Social value will account for at least 10 per cent of the score for contracts worth £1 million to £5 million, rising to 20 per cent for those worth more than £5 million.

Businesses have called for this change. Educators, too, are seeking stronger connections with employers, particularly to provide the high-quality work experience which remains one of the most commonly cited barriers to employment for young people. We know that employers providing high-quality work experience are 77 per cent more likely to report business benefits, including stronger talent pipelines.