Growing up in poverty triples young people's likelihood of becoming NEET
Young people who grow up experiencing persistent poverty are more than three times as likely to be not in education, employment or training (NEET) at 17 or 23 (3.3 and 3.4 times, respectively), according to new analysis of the UK Millennium Cohort Study by the University of Liver
The recent findings from the University of Liverpool's analysis of the UK Millennium Cohort Study have significant implications for the engineering industry, as they highlight the strong correlation between socioeconomic background and the likelihood of young people becoming not in education, employment or training (NEET). This is particularly concerning for the engineering sector, which already faces challenges in attracting and retaining talented individuals from diverse backgrounds. The fact that growing up in poverty triples the likelihood of becoming NEET suggests that many potential engineers may be lost to the profession due to circumstances beyond their control.
The engineering industry relies heavily on a skilled and educated workforce, and the lack of representation from disadvantaged backgrounds can have long-term consequences for innovation and competitiveness. By understanding the barriers that prevent young people from pursuing education and training in engineering, policymakers and industry leaders can work together to develop targeted interventions and support programs. This could include initiatives such as mentorship schemes, apprenticeships, and outreach programs to encourage and enable young people from disadvantaged backgrounds to pursue careers in engineering.
As the engineering industry continues to evolve and grow, it is essential to monitor the impact of socioeconomic factors on the workforce and to develop strategies to address these challenges. The University of Liverpool's research serves as a reminder of the need for a more nuanced understanding of the complex factors that influence young people's career choices and outcomes. To watch next, it will be interesting to see how the industry responds to these findings and whether new initiatives emerge to support young people from disadvantaged backgrounds in pursuing careers in engineering.
Originally reported by phys.org. EngineeringNews adds analysis for science & discovery readers.