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Published: 23 April 2026

Universities and grassroots partners shape new pathways into education and employment for young people in Surrey

A new collaborative impact project led by the University of Surrey and the University for the Creative Arts, as part of the Surrey Civic University Agreement, will bring researchers and grassroots organisations together to explore innovative opportunities for young people aged 16–18 who are not in education, employment, or training (NEET).

Recent research from the Centre for Britain and Europe, undertaken in collaboration with the High Sheriff of Surrey, underscores the scale of the challenge. On average, around 8.4% of young people in Surrey are classified as NEET or have an unknown status, totalling more than 1,400 individuals each year. Yet this group is far from disengaged, with around 80% actively seeking employment or education opportunities. This offers a clear opportunity to engage more closely with targeted stakeholders already delivering innovative skills provision and support for young people, and to draw on their expertise to inform more effective interventions.

“Growing NEETs Skills in Surrey: A Place-based Grassroots Pilot” has been funded through the Economic and Social Research Council Impact Acceleration Account (IAA) at the University of Surrey, as part of a recent cross-university funding call, The Future of Work in Surrey, which is enabling innovative approaches to the county’s skills and recruitment challenges.

The project will connect research with practice, building on existing evidence that young people who are disengaged from education and employment are often best supported through trusted local organisations and practical, skills-based opportunities. It has been co-designed with two local grassroots organisations with strong track records of engaging young people through creative and vocational activities, particularly those who may not thrive in more traditional settings. The Quinnell School of Blacksmithing offers hands-on blacksmithing training that builds practical skills, confidence, and pathways into work or further learning, and is currently experiencing an unprecedented demand for its services. The Phoenix Cultural Centre provides an inclusive cultural space offering volunteering, creative workshops, and hands-on training that build confidence, skills, and pathways into work.

I’m pleased to support the launch of this timely and important project, which reflects a shared commitment across Surrey to widening opportunities for young people. The evidence is clear: those classified as NEET are not lacking ambition, but often face structural barriers to participation. This initiative recognises that meaningful engagement comes from meeting young people where they are and valuing the trusted relationships built by grassroots organisations. By bringing together universities, local partners, and practitioners, the project creates a strong platform for connecting research with real-world impact. Its emphasis on creative, vocational and place-based approaches is particularly welcome, offering flexible pathways to build confidence, skills and aspiration. Professor Amelia Hadfield, Director, CIFAL Surrey. Co-Director of the Institute for Sustainability. Associate Vice-President for External Engagement. Founding Director, Centre for Britain and Europe.

In the coming months, partners will work closely together to understand the work being carried out with young people, identify gaps in support, and explore how these innovative approaches can be strengthened and expanded with support from universities and local stakeholders. This will include time spent within each organisation, conversations with staff and young people, and exploration of how creative and vocational activities build confidence, motivation, and practical skills.

The team will deliver lasting impact by identifying more accessible, low-barrier opportunities for young people and strengthening collaboration between the organisations that support them. Practical resources will be developed, including case studies, a shared toolkit, and clear policy recommendations to inform local decision-making and guide future investment in skills and inclusion.

This initiative will serve as a foundation for a larger-scale collaboration, helping to ensure more young people across Surrey are supported into positive and fulfilling pathways.

We are delighted to contribute to this important project for Surrey and its young community, supporting them in overcoming barriers and realising their full potential for the future. By offering our distinct perspective in arts and culture, young participants will have the opportunity to experience how creative approaches can foster inclusive participation, problem-solving, networking, co-creation, and engagement, among many other skills. We very much look forward to working closely with our partners and engaging with young people across Surrey, building on this initial pilot project. Professor Elisabetta Lazzaro, Professor of Creative and Cultural Industries Management, University for the Creative Arts
Professor Elisabetta Lazzaro UCA

Community Partners

The Quinnell School of Blacksmithing

"The Quinnell School of Blacksmithing is thrilled to be a partner in this important project. Based on decades of working with young people, we passionately believe that blacksmithing can play a hugely beneficial role in the current challenging education, employment and training climate. We recognise that we are isolated and niche, and we welcome this valuable opportunity to maximise our potential with external professional support. Our blacksmithing craft is characterised by the powerful effects of bringing different elements together. We can’t wait to see what magic will happen with this pilot project’s deliberate combining of contrasting worlds.".- Lucy and Tom Quinnell 

Phoenix Cultural Centre

“By maximising professional sound and lighting infrastructure during live and off-peak periods, we support the sustainability of grassroots venues while showcasing their wider value to the creative industries. Our work develops not only artists but also technicians, managers, and future community leaders through industry-led training and hands-on experience. Participants have progressed into further study and employment, discovering new ambitions along the way. This pilot allows us to build on that success and share our approach, demonstrating how underused infrastructure, community expertise and strong partnerships can break down economic, physical and psychological barriers, opening up opportunities that were previously out of reach.”  - Elaine McGinty, CEO/Founder, Phoenix Cultural Centre

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