Cheshire West's rate of young people not in education, employment or training is 3.62%, down from 5% in 2022. How employers can offer a young person a start.
The share of young people in Cheshire West and Chester who are not in education, employment or training, known as NEET, has fallen to 3.62%, the lowest it has been since before the Covid-19 pandemic, Cheshire West and Chester Council said on 2 November.
The rate was 4.1% in 2025 and 5% in 2022. The council puts the fall down to its NEET Taskforce, a group based in Winsford that brings together the council’s young people’s services, colleges, training providers and community organisations.
The council has not said which months the latest figure covers, how many young people it represents, or which age group is counted. Its announcement came during Youth Work Week 2026.
Employers asked to help
The most practical part of the announcement is an appeal to employers. Councillor Louise Gittins, Leader of the council and chair of the taskforce, said: “If you are an employer and you want to give a young person an opportunity please email: YoungPeoplesService@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk.”
She said: “These figures are a real success story for Cheshire West and Chester and demonstrate the difference that partnership working can make.
“While nationally many areas are seeing increases in the number of young people who are not in education, employment or training, we have worked closely with our partners to understand the challenges facing young people and provide the right support at the right time.
“Behind these figures are hundreds of young people whose lives have been changed through opportunities that build confidence, raise aspirations and help them take their next steps towards education, training or employment.
“During Youth Work Week, it is especially important to recognise the dedication of youth workers and support organisations across the borough who are helping young people overcome barriers and achieve their potential.”
A January start at college
One change came from spotting when young people drop out. The council says it worked with Cheshire College South and West, which has a campus in Chester, after noticing a rise in young people becoming NEET in January. Together they set up alternative start points so young people can begin learning at other times of the year, rather than waiting for September.
The college’s RISE programme is one of those routes. It introduces learners to college life gradually, to build their confidence before further study.
Helen Nellist, Deputy Principal and Deputy CEO of Cheshire College South and West and Macclesfield College, said: “As a college, we have a vital role to play in ensuring that all young people can access the education, support and opportunities they need to achieve their potential. We recognise that a traditional route into college does not work for everyone, which is why programmes such as RISE are so important. By providing flexible entry points and tailored support, we are helping young people build confidence, develop resilience and take positive steps towards further learning and employment.”
She added: “The reduction in NEET figures is a testament to the strength of partnership working across Cheshire West and Chester. By working closely with the Council, training providers, youth services and community organisations, we are creating more opportunities for young people and helping them develop the skills, knowledge and aspirations needed for future success. Together, we can continue to ensure that every young person has a clear and supported pathway into education, training or employment.”
Support for SEND, home-educated and struggling young people
The council has also worked with the training provider Total People on support for groups it describes as vulnerable: young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), those who are home educated, and those with emotional, social and mental health challenges.
Melanie Nicholson, Managing Director of Total People, said: “The Taskforce’s impact demonstrates what we can achieve for young people by working together. Total People is proud to contribute to the Cheshire West and Chester NEET Taskforce and, with the Council’s support, deliver tailored learning opportunities that help young people build confidence, develop skills and take positive steps towards their future.
“Our ambition is to build on this success, further strengthening our support in future years for young people in Winsford and across Cheshire West and Chester. Working alongside the Council and our partners, we are committed to creating more flexible, accessible routes into education, training and employment, helping more young people overcome barriers and realise their potential.”
Youth Federation and The King’s Trust run programmes for young people the council describes as furthest from work or formal education. They let young people take part a little at a time and build confidence before moving on.
Kevin Bradbune MBE, Director of Operations at Youth Federation, said: “It’s great to see the NEET rate fall to its lowest level since before the pandemic. This reflects the commitment and collaboration of partners across Cheshire West and Chester to create opportunities and remove barriers for young people.”
What it means for you
- If you run a business in Chester, Ellesmere Port, Northwich or Winsford and could offer a young person work experience, a job or an apprenticeship, the council’s young people’s service asks you to email YoungPeoplesService@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk.
- If a young person in your family has dropped out of college or a job, the January start points mean they do not have to wait until next September to start again. Cheshire College South and West’s RISE programme is one option the council names.
- If your child has SEND, is home educated or is struggling with their mental health, the council says Total People runs tailored support for those groups.
The taskforce says it will keep sharing information between partners and co-ordinating support across the borough.
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