The latest figures reveal the NEET rate for Cheshire West and Chester has reduced to 3.62%, a decrease from 4.1% in 2025 and 5% in 2022. This achievement reflects the dedicated work of the Cheshire West and Chester NEET Taskforce, a collaborative initiative involving young people's services, education providers, training organisations, and community partners.
This success is being highlighted during Youth Work Week 2026, acknowledging the vital role youth workers and partner organisations play in fostering confidence, skills, and aspirations among young people. The Council has collaborated with partners to establish a variety of flexible pathways designed to support young individuals who may not be immediately ready for direct entry into education, training, or employment.
In partnership with Cheshire College South and West, the Council identified an increase in young people becoming NEET during January and subsequently developed alternative entry points to facilitate year-round learning engagement. The college's RISE programme offers a phased introduction to college life, aiding learners in building confidence and preparing for further studies.
Furthermore, the Council has worked with independent training provider Total People to create tailored support for vulnerable groups. This includes young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), those who are home-educated, and young individuals facing emotional, social, and mental health challenges.
Collaborations with organisations such as Youth Federation and The King's Trust have opened up additional avenues into learning and employment for young people who are furthest from the labour market or formal education. These programmes provide gradual and flexible engagement, helping young people build confidence before progressing to further opportunities.
The Cheshire West and Chester NEET Taskforce, based in Winsford, continues to unite organisations from across the sector to address challenges, share intelligence, and coordinate support for young people throughout the borough. By concentrating on understanding young people's post-pandemic experiences and working collaboratively to dismantle barriers, the partnership has successfully enabled more young people to access education, training, and employment opportunities, contributing to the borough's lowest NEET rate since before Covid-19.
