Empowering Young Kiwis: Acton’s Role in Reducing Youth NEET Rates

Ever wondered what it takes to set young people up for a future where they’re not just surviving, but thriving?

In New Zealand, 11.5% of youth aged 15-24 were Not in Employment, Education, or Training (NEET) in 2023, according to the OECD.

That’s a big number, and it’s got us thinking: What if education could spark passion and purpose in every young Kiwi, helping them find their path?

At Acton Academy North Shore, our alternative education model in Auckland is designed to do just that. Through self-directed learning and real-world skills, we’re empowering young people to take charge of their futures and contribute to a stronger community.

Why Do Youth NEET Rates Matter?

First, let’s ask: Why do so many young people end up disconnected from work or education?

The NEET rate, 11.5% in 2023, signals that some Kiwi youth are struggling to find their place in a fast-changing world. Economic challenges, like New Zealand’s 1% GDP decline in 2024, and a lack of engaging opportunities can leave young people feeling stuck.

But here’s another question: What if learning could ignite their curiosity and equip them with skills to create their own opportunities?

That’s where Acton Academy North Shore steps in, offering a learner-driven education model that’s all about empowering youth to shape their own futures.

How Acton’s Model Empowers Young Kiwis

At Acton, we believe every young person is a hero on their own journey. Our alternative education programmes focus on self-directed learning, where students take the driver’s seat, and real-world skills that prepare them for life beyond the classroom.

Let’s explore how this approach could help lower youth New Zealand’s NEET rates.

1. What Skills Will Help Your Child Thrive in the Real World?

Traditional education often emphasises memorisation, but what skills do you need to navigate a world where jobs and industries are constantly evolving?

At Acton, students tackle hands-on projects—like launching a mini-business or designing a community solution—that build skills like problem-solving, communication, and entrepreneurship. For example, a student creating a sustainable gardening project learns budgeting, marketing, and collaboration.

These are the skills employers value and the tools young Kiwis need to avoid becoming part of the NEET statistic.

2. How Does Taking Ownership of Learning Change You?

What happens when you’re trusted to set your own goals?

Our self-directed learning model lets students choose projects that matter to them, fostering independence and confidence. A teen passionate about coding might build an app, while another interested in social change might organise a community event. By taking ownership, students discover their strengths and passions, making them less likely to disengage from education or work.

How could choosing your own path NOT make you feel more connected to your future?

3. Can Learning Be a Joyful Adventure?

What if education felt like an exciting quest instead of a chore?

Acton’s project-based quests and Socratic discussions create a vibrant learning environment where students are eager to explore. By making learning meaningful, like solving real-world problems or pursuing personal interests, we keep young people engaged, reducing the risk of them becoming a NEET.

So, what kind of learning experience would make you leap out of bed each morning?

The OECD’s 2023 data shows New Zealand’s NEET rate is slightly below the OECD average of 13.8%, but there’s still work to do.

And, that’s why we need to ensure that every young Kiwi finds their place in the world.

To sum it up, Acton’s approach aligns with New Zealand’s need for innovative thinkers who can navigate economic challenges, like the rising unemployment rates in 2025. Our students learn to adapt, innovate, and create opportunities—whether that’s starting a business, freelancing, or solving community problems. By fostering resilience and purpose, we’re helping young people stay connected to education and work, and more importantly, purpose, directly addressing the youth NEET rates in New Zealand.

Let’s end with this: What can you do today to help a young person find their spark?

If you’re ready to see how our alternative education model can ignite your child’s potential, come along to the next FREE Parent Info Session. Register by clicking on the button below: