The King’s Seeing is Believing Visit in Sheffield, 12 May 2026

This is an in-person event. Attendance by invitation only.

Audience

• C-suite/Senior leaders

Background

Across the UK, nearly one in seven young people aged 16–24—close to one million individuals—are NEET. Nearly half of those who become NEET remain so a year later. This is more than a social concern—it’s a business issue. A generation without access to work means a shrinking talent pipeline, lower productivity, and fewer innovators entering our industries. At a time when many sectors are grappling with skills shortages and an ageing workforce, failing to engage young people represents a missed opportunity for growth, diversity, and long-term sustainability.

The recent Post‑16 Education and Skills White Paper set out an ambition for clear routes into work and training, but the scale of the challenge is significant: entry-level roles are harder to access, employment costs are rising, and technology is advancing faster than many can adapt. For business leaders, this presents both a responsibility and an opportunity to shape how early talent enters the workforce, how internships and apprenticeships are delivered, and how companies build pipelines of motivated, skilled future talent. Research shows that young people who have five or more meaningful employer encounters are 86% less likely to become NEET.

About this event

This Seeing is Believing visit will offer a unique opportunity to hear directly from young people, educators, experts, and employers about what’s working—and what isn’t—when it comes to preparing young people for the world of work. By engaging as leaders, we can work together and with Business in the Community on implementing solutions so that every young person can see and seize a future in work.

Booking and contact details and further information

• For further information, please reach out to The King’s Seeing is Believing team (SIB@bitc.org.uk)
• Full joining instructions will be sent before the event.

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