One in Eight Left Behind: How Jason Found Hope and Purpose Through Boss Your Future
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As youth unemployment and college dropouts rise, Genuine Futures is helping young people like Jason rediscover confidence, build skills, and believe in a brighter future.
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“Before Genuine Futures, I was lost… now I’ve got confidence, purpose, and a plan.” — Jason, 18
An alarming 923,000 young people aged 16–24 in the UK were not in education, employment, or training (NEET) during the first quarter of 2025, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). That’s nearly one in eight young people with no clear path forward — full of potential, but facing real barriers to progress.
At Genuine Futures, we don’t see problems — we see possibilities. Jason’s story is proof that when young people are supported, believed in, and offered the right opportunities, transformation can happen.
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“For a year and a half, I was just stuck…”
Jason left college early after discovering it wasn’t the right fit. What followed was over a year of isolation, frustration, and rejection.
“I joined college but dropped out because it wasn’t what I expected,” he said. “For a year and a half, I was lost, not really doing anything with my life. I was trying to look for jobs, but I couldn’t find anything, and it was hard being 17 — no one wanted to hire me.”
Jason’s story isn’t rare. It reflects a growing crisis in post-16 education, where rising dropout rates leave hundreds of thousands of young people unsure of their next move — and too often, unsupported.
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The Bigger Picture: A Crisis of Confidence
Recent research shows a 28% increase in university dropout rates across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland in just five years. Over 41,000 students left their courses in 2022–23 without completing their qualifications (BBC, 2024).
This surge reveals what we already know on the ground: traditional education doesn’t work for everyone. And without alternatives, young people like Jason face unemployment, declining mental health, and social exclusion.
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Boss Your Future: Turning Potential into Progress
Jason found his turning point through Careers Connect, which referred him to Genuine Futures and the Boss Your Future programme.
This hands-on, motivational programme helps 16–18-year-olds who are NEET to build confidence, develop employability skills, and explore realistic pathways to work and independence.
“It’s really changed my life,” said Jason. “It’s upped my confidence massively. I’m better in social situations, and I actually feel like I’ve got a future again.”
Boss Your Future includes:
• Personal mentoring and wellbeing support
• Communication, confidence, and team-building
• Career exploration and goal setting
• Employer engagement and work experience opportunities
• Practical sessions including CV writing, interview prep, and more
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A Message from Our Founders
Sam Smith, Founder of Genuine Futures:
“Jason’s journey isn’t rare — and that’s exactly the problem.
Across the UK, we’ve got hundreds of thousands of young people who’ve been let down by a system that focuses on qualifications over potential.
We’re facing a silent crisis. These are young people with ideas, energy, and value — but no one has shown them how to unlock it.
At Genuine Futures, we don’t believe in ticking boxes. We believe in transformation. Jason didn’t need fixing — he needed someone to see him. And that’s what Boss Your Future does.”
Mike Alleyne, Director at Genuine Futures:
“When we talk about youth unemployment or NEET stats, it’s easy to forget we’re talking about real people with real lives.
Many young people leave education not because they don’t care, but because the system doesn’t meet their needs.
Our work isn’t just about employability — it’s about belonging. It’s about saying: ‘You matter. You’re not forgotten.’
When Jason tells us he now feels confident and hopeful, that’s not just a win — it’s a wake-up call. We need more businesses, schools, and community leaders to step up. The future depends on it.”
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Support the Future — Here’s How You Can Help
Whether you’re a young person looking for direction, an employer seeking to give back, or a community member who cares — you have a role to play.
For young people (16–18):
Are you unsure of what’s next after leaving school or college? Boss Your Future is here to help. You’re not alone — and your future is worth fighting for.
For employers:
Offer mentoring, work placements, or sponsor a programme. Real experience changes lives — and supports your business with future-ready talent.
For everyone:
Share Jason’s story. Raise awareness. Introduce us to a school, council, or company that wants to make a difference.
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A Final Word from Jason
“I felt like no one saw me. Now I feel like I’ve got something to give. Genuine Futures helped me believe in myself again.”