Lesson
The Disappearance of First Jobs for Young People
Read this news story in English at three levels, easy, standard, and advanced (B1–C1) — with vocabulary and a comprehension quiz.
A growing number of young people in the UK are not in work, education, or training, raising concerns about their future prospects.
Pick your level
Standard — Natural English
61 words · ~1 min readEasy version (A2–B1)
Many young people in the UK cannot find jobs. Over a million are not in work, school, or training. This problem is getting worse. Some young people have applied for many jobs but still get rejected. They feel sad and hopeless.Standard version (B1–B2)
In the UK, more than a million young people aged 16 to 24 are not in education, employment, or training, a situation that is worsening. This group, known as Neets, has struggled to find jobs, especially after the Covid pandemic. While other countries have recovered, the UK has not. Many young people feel demoralized after applying for numerous jobs without success.Advanced version (C1–C2)
The issue of youth unemployment in the UK has reached alarming levels, with over a million individuals aged 16 to 24 classified as Neets, meaning they are not engaged in education, employment, or training. This trend has been exacerbated by the Covid pandemic, which severely impacted job opportunities for young people. Unlike other European nations that have rebounded, the UK continues to face significant challenges in integrating its youth into the workforce. Many young individuals report applying for thousands of jobs, only to face repeated rejections, leading to feelings of despair and questioning the value of their educational achievements. Experts, including university lecturers, emphasize the need for systemic changes to support young people in navigating the current job market.Lesson audio
Standard level
Tap to play
Test your understanding
01What does the term 'Neets' refer to?
02How many young people in the UK are classified as Neets?
03What has made finding jobs harder for young people according to the article?
04What does Hannah feel about her job search?
Discussion
What do you think can be done to help young people find jobs?
Vocabulary
Neets word
Young people not in education, employment, or training
“Many Neets struggle to find work.”
demoralized word
Feeling a loss of confidence or hope
“After many rejections, she felt demoralized.”
bursary word
A financial grant to help students pay for education
“She received a bursary to study at Oxford.”
prospects word
The chances of success in the future
“Their job prospects are currently very low.”
exacerbated word
Made a problem worse
“The pandemic exacerbated the job crisis.”