Working in the London boroughs of Islington, Hackney and Tower Hamlets, allocated "progression coaches" will provide bespoke support within schools for teenagers as part of the ThinkForward programme.
Under the initiative – being delivered alongside employment charity Tomorrow’s People, Ernst & Young, local authorities and local schools – sustained support will be available for young people from the age of 14 through to 19.
Each young person will go through an assessment and a personal action plan to help them access and utilise other local initiatives already available for them.
The coach will also introduce workplace mentors to provide business networks and work opportunities.
Private Equity Foundation chief executive Shaks Ghosh said: "There is a crisis in our communities and on our estates. Unemployment figures are double the norm, leaving many children with no understanding of the world of work.
"ThinkForward provides a support structure to schools to ensure those most at risk receive dedicated guidance for their journey to adulthood."
ThinkForward is set to run in 15 schools for five years at a cost of £5.7m, but with a saving to the public purse of £17m.
It is estimated it will lead to 50 per cent reduction in the number of young people not in education, employment or training (Neet) in the areas where it is run.
