Colleges, apprenticeships and work-based learning attract different levels of financial support. Many young people cannot divorce this from their ultimate choice and they may end up on a path that has a greater financial incentive, rather than what matches their interests and skills. This is extremely worrying.
Furthermore, there is a tendency among funders to support provision offered by established training providers and further education colleges, rather than provision that offers the "pastoral" care element to learning, which is crucial in keeping young people engaged.
As well as ensuring young people have access to a wide range of courses, it is important that they have choices that are not coloured by financial incentives. Yet for many young people who are supported by Catch22, access to financial support may be a prime reason for limiting their choices.
Information and guidance is crucial if young people are to take advantage of courses. Not all young people have access to the internet, so online information should be supplemented by practitioners working with vulnerable and hard-to-reach young people to ensure that they are fully aware of their options.
There may be fewer vocational job opportunities in the current economic climate than previously, and employers may be reluctant to take on young people with little or no work experience.
That's why Catch22 set up its first social enterprise, an independent car servicing and repair business called Auto22. It offers a supportive, real work environment that provides work experience and placements, apprenticeships, paid employment and support for young people to develop their career.
Auto22's first apprentice, Stephen, says: "It's difficult for young people to get a job; if you've got a police record or anything, some people won't touch you. For me, the NVQ Level 1 was a way of keeping out of trouble. It gave me more experience in motor mechanics and helped me to get a job at Auto22."
The voluntary sector's experience of working with hard-to-reach young people makes it well placed to ensure that people like Stephen obtain entry to employment and are supported with their learning, financial and pastoral needs. Building in real choice, genuine opportunities and effective support will guarantee good outcomes and reduce the number of young people considered Neet.
Joyce Moseley is chief executive of Catch 22.
