VT Research (now Babcock Research) was commissioned by Wakefield Metropolitan District Council (WMDC) to investigate the reasons that young people leave learning at the age of 17 in the District. A key focus for the client was to tackle the proportion of NEET and improve employability skills amongst 17 year-olds in the District. A combination of primary and secondary research was used to determine reasons for leaving learning and wider NEET risk factors. VT Research studied current good practice across the country and the findings were used to design a bespoke intervention framework for young people.

Action research was undertaken, consisting of interventions with 40 young people. Young people interviewed were initially assigned an action plan, which VT Research then carried out in partnership with Connexions. A report was produced for the client with key findings and recommendations for extending good practice from the project and reducing the District’s NEET figure for 17 year-olds.