In a strategy document aimed at reducing the proportion of young people not in education, employment or training (NEET) in Scotland called ‘More choices, More Chances’ published by the Scottish Executive (now Scottish Government), it was highlighted that ‘being NEET represents an unacceptable waste of potential’, and therefore ‘to eradicate the problem of NEET the length and breadth of Scotland’ has become ‘a national priority demanding a national effort’. It is also worth noting that although Scotland has the ‘highest employment rate for 15–19 year olds out of the OECD countries’, the proportion of NEET in Scotland is high on international comparison. In fact, Scotland has one of the highest proportions of NEET in Europe (Scottish Executive, 2006: 1–4). In England, Maguire and Rennison (2005:187–188) described how despite a recent focus of education and training policy on reaching young people who enter, or who are at risk of entering, the NEET group after compulsory education, the percentage of 16 year olds in this cohort has remained unchanged since 1998. The 17 year old group, on the other hand, has grown whilst a decline can be observed in the number of 18 year olds in this category. An unprecedented emphasis on public policy directed specifically at young people with a specific focus on the issue of social exclusion and its effects can be observed throughout the UK because of the ‘widespread current perception that being “NEET” … presents a major risk for young people of becoming socially excluded’ (Yates & Payne, 2006: 329) and economically unproductive (Scottish Executive, 2006). This study aims to contribute to the understanding of these young people, their circumstances and needs, so that the right support from the right organisations will be extended to them, in order to make a difference to their lives. This research sought the views of college leavers from the three further education colleges in Fife, Scotland, leading to more focused interviews with the currently ‘unengaged’ cohort in order to obtain underlying reasons and further insights into their lifestyles, attitudes toward, and experiences of, education and employment. To complement these young people's views, relevant issues and examples of best practice when dealing with this cohort were also investigated by getting the perspectives of relevant stakeholders. This study was commissioned by the Fife NEET Strategy Group and was undertaken by The SCRE Centre, which is based in Faculty of Education at the University of Glasgow between September 2007 and February 2008.

A combination of research methods was utilised: a) the questionnaire survey with college leavers which identified the participants for the next stage of data collection, ie telephone interviews with the youth-at-risk b) telephone interviews with the youth-at-risk cohort c) in-depth face-to-face or in-depth telephone interviews with key stakeholders

The study highlights the significance of the support provided to 'unengaged' young people in Fife. Beyond the educational and economic value of this initiative is the promising opportunity to assist an individual's personal growth, which can powerfully lead to a change in his/her life direction. The evidence presented by the 'unengaged' young people draws attention to the idea of 'temporary unengagement'. Their wide range of different situations held them back from learning but their conditions did not display a great need for intensive support or intervention. The study not only identified some key issues in dealing with 'unengaged' young people but also some examples of 'best practice' in dealing with this cohort as well as the roles of educational institutions and other relevant organisations towards providing support to this group of young people.