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Young people are turning away from higher education as the cost-of-living crisis prompts a shift in financially prioritising basic needs, a major study by the Co-op and children’s charity Barnardo’s has revealed.

One of the largest studies of its kind ever, ‘Youth Opportunities Tracker: Fairer Futures’, was commissioned as part of a wider partnership between the two organisations, as they seek to raise £5m to support 750,000 young people to access basic needs, like food, improve their mental wellbeing and create better opportunities for their future lives.

The study looked at the experiences, life chances and aspirations of over 5,000 10–25-year-olds across the UK, and how they've changed since 2021. Despite the Government’s ambitions to improve opportunities and outcomes through its Levelling Up agenda, the study uncovered the impact the rising cost-of-living is having on young people’s access to food, mental wellbeing, and opportunities for the future.

As recent figures estimate average student debt for those currently completing a course will top £45k , the tracker shows 250,000 fewer young people aspire to go into higher education in 2023 compared against two years ago. In contrast, the study revealed a stronger interest in apprenticeships, rising from 40% to 44% of respondents over the past two years, an estimated 500,000 people. But there's not currently any requirements for apprentice schemes to pay the national living wage, and many are looking to earn 'quick and easy’ money, as over a fifth (22%) are focused on getting a job to help with financial pressures.

Financial issues are also causing youngsters to struggle to afford to even feed themselves. Over one third (35%) report their family as having had issues paying for or accessing food, with the same number having used food support over the past six months. Almost a quarter (23%) report starting the day without a meal in the past six months due to the cost-of-living pressures impacting day-to-day life.

For many, the outlook remains bleak: with a quarter (24%) thinking it’s unlikely they'll have enough money to cover basic needs in the future.

In an effort to create a fairer world, Co-op has partnered with Barnardo’s to bring communities together to raise £5m to support 750,000 young people who are increasingly finding they need to prioritise immediate needs at the expense of long-term goals.

Together, Co-op and Barnardo’s are ensuring the voices of young people are heard by establishing a Youth Advisory Group, made up of 12 young people aged 16-25 who will advise on all aspects of the partnership.

Corrine, 24, Youth Advisory Group Leader from Glasgow, said: “Children and young people aren't  getting equal chances due to the cost-of-living crisis. We want them to have fairer chances and this gap is getting wider due to ongoing challenges, which is then leading to an impact on their mental health. Children are going hungry, especially throughout the holiday period and this creates financial burdens on their parents. The toughest challenges this generation faces are figuring out who they are, peer pressure and the influence of social media.

“Being a part of the Youth Advisory Group, I'd like to ensure we're listened to and visually see the impact our group is having on decisions and projects. By talking first hand about the issues young people face, this will be valuable for us to help shape positive futures for young people.”

Rebecca Birkbeck, Director of Community and Shared Value at the Co-op added: “The cost-of-living has had a seismic impact on young people, with many having to prioritise basic needs over long-term career goals and aspirations. We’re seeing many people are unable to make the financial compromises required to set themselves up for future success. Simply put, that's not fair.

“Apprenticeships are a key means by which we can promote social mobility, and business can play a vital role in ensuring everyone has an equal chance to fulfil their potential, no matter who they are or where they're from.

“Whilst we see first-hand the positive impact apprenticeships have on young careers at Co-op, it's not fair those from poorer backgrounds feel their options for further education are limited due to the cost-of-living. That’s why we’ve partnered with Barnardo’s to raise £5m to support 750,000 young people in communities across the UK, working with young people to identify the problems they face and co-create solutions. But the solutions go beyond just us.

“We are calling on the Government to amend the child benefit regulations so 16–19-year-olds who choose to take an apprenticeship can continue to receive child benefit, for those who've chosen a work-based training route, which may dissuade those from lower socio-economic backgrounds. Businesses can play a part in that as well, offering and promoting apprentice schemes that pay the national living wage, helping create a fairer future for young people.”

Lynn Perry MBE, Barnardo’s CEO said: “A generation of young people have been disadvantaged as a result of the COVID pandemic, and the impact has been greatest for those growing up in poorer households. That’s the reason we’re working with the Co-op to support young people to access basic needs like food, manage their mental wellbeing, and connect with opportunities for their future.

“COVID widened the gap between what the most and least disadvantaged pupils in the UK achieve in school, and we mustn't let the cost-of-living crisis be a further barrier to young people pursuing their ambitions – whether that’s higher education or a work-based option.

“Apprenticeships can be a brilliant experience, combining academic learning with practical work placements. But at a time when many young people live with their parents or carers well into their 20s, it’s very unfair taking on an apprenticeship at 16 means your family faces a financial penalty. The Government must look again at this policy and ensure young people don’t have to make choices based on fear their family will lose vital support.”

To support education and skills, Co-op's apprentice levy scheme has seen £14 million pledged by 42 organisations towards Co-op Levy Share targets, supporting over 1,000 apprenticeships, across 30 different occupations opening up life chances for many people who hadn't had that opportunity or access previously.

‘The Youth Opportunity Tracker’ and Co-op’s partnership with Barnardo’s builds on Co-op’s ongoing work with young people including through its youth-led programmes, Co-op’s apprentice levy scheme, its work with the Peer Action Collective (PAC), and Co-op Academies Trust.

To find out more and ways to help fundraise, visit coop.co.uk/SupportYoungPeople or to learn more about apprenticeships at the Co-op, please visit: jobs.coop.co.uk/apprentice-hub.

Adult learners could get up to £1,000 towards their study with NEC to develop their skills and help them to get back into the workplace or to change career

The National Extension College (NEC), is celebrating a very special birthday in 2023 as they celebrate 60 years since the college was founded by Michael Young, Lord Young of Dartington.

Established in August of 1963 as a not-for-profit distance learning provider, NEC has a strong, proud and vibrant heritage of widening access to education. They aim to transform lives and open up possibilities for people of all ages by offering access to essential qualifications that can be studied flexibly, at any time and anywhere.

The NEC 60th Birthday Bursary will support one learner to get back into the workplace or to plan a change of career. One student will get a maximum of £1,000 towards their study with NEC. The college offers a diverse range of courses, including Functional Skills in Maths and English, business courses, GCSEs and A levels. Closing date for applications is Friday 4th August 2023.

NEC Chief Executive, Esther Chesterman, says: “NEC believes everybody deserves a chance to achieve their learning goals, no matter what their circumstances might be. We support learners of all ages to do this.

“The recipient of the NEC 60th Birthday Bursary will gain access to education that draws on NEC’s expertise, quality course materials and dedication to our students. Our flexible online courses will provide them with the freedom to study flexibly around their life and work commitments.”

The bursary is being funded by NEC Trustee and former CEO Dr Ros Morpeth OBE.

Applications for the bursary are especially welcomed from those from lower socio-economic backgrounds for whom finance may be a real barrier to study and who may otherwise miss out on educational opportunities.

Full details about the bursary and how to apply are available on the NEC website. 

What is the NEC?

Established back in August 1963 as a not-for-profit distance learning provider, the National Extension College (NEC) has a strong, proud heritage in widening access to education. Their aim is to transform lives and open up new possibilities for people of all ages by offering access to essential qualifications like GCSEs and A levels, as well as vocational qualifications in management, business and teaching.

Dr Ros Morpeth OBE has been involved with the NEC since 1987 and was a second chance learner herself. In 2002, she was chosen as one of five Britons to become an honorary fellow of the Commonwealth of Learning, receiving the honour at an international awards ceremony in South Africa. In 1994 she received an honorary doctorate from the Open University for services to distance learning.

Ros stepped down from NEC after 16 years as Executive Director in 2003 to follow her interests in international education. She returned to NEC in December 2011. In 2014 she was named the Further Education Leader of the Year by the Times Educational Supplement, and received an OBE for services to further education in the 2015 Queen’s Birthday Honours list. Ros retired as CEO of The National Extension College in 2021 but has remained on the board of Trustees.

www.nec.ac.uk