Young people not engaged in education, employment, or training (NEET) in the north-east of England report growing feelings of frustration and hopelessness as they face repeated job rejections, according to recent focus groups conducted by Public First on behalf of the Education Development Trust.

The discussions involved 17- to 23-year-olds who described a persistent sense of being trapped in a cycle of disappointment. Participants frequently recounted a common experience with friends and family centering on the question, “Have you found anywhere yet?” This recurring inquiry underscored the pressure many feel to secure employment or training opportunities amid ongoing setbacks.

Hannah, 23, from Northumberland, expressed the emotional toll of societal expectations tied to employment, stating that individuals are often reduced to their job status rather than being recognized for personal interests or qualities. “It’s not what you’re interested in or how kind you are or if you love animals, people identify you by your job and it’s hard. I want to disappear,” she said.

Similarly, Owen, 22, from Sunderland, shared his experience of persistent job search struggles after submitting about 100 applications without success. He said the continual cycle of rejection has worn down his confidence. “It does chip away at your pride a bit because you think ‘What am I doing wrong?’” he said, highlighting the psychological impact of prolonged unemployment.

The focus groups also revealed that formal education, such as school and university, often felt disconnected from the aspirations or learning preferences of these young people. Ethan, 17, who had been enrolled in sixth form studying maths, English literature, and psychology, found the traditional classroom environment unappealing and desired more practical, hands-on learning experiences.

Many participants indicated that they started their post-school journeys with clear ambitions but encountered obstacles that diverted their paths, noting a lack of adequate support systems to help them navigate setbacks. The findings point to systemic issues in addressing the needs of young people who are excluded from mainstream educational and employment trajectories, emphasizing a need for tailored approaches to engage and support this demographic.