Phoenix Cultural Centre joins new Surrey pilot supporting young people into skills, education and employment

Phoenix Cultural Centre CIC is proud to be part of a new place-based grassroots pilot supporting young people in Surrey who are not in education, employment or training (NEET).

The project, Growing NEETs Skills in Surrey: A Place-based Grassroots Pilot, brings together the University of Surrey, University for the Creative Arts (UCA), Phoenix Cultural Centre Woking and The Quinnell School of Blacksmithing to explore how grassroots organisations can create inclusive, community-led pathways into skills development, training and employment opportunities.

Funded through the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) Impact Acceleration Account at the University of Surrey, the initiative forms part of the wider Surrey Civic University Agreement and responds to growing concern around the number of young people across the county currently classified as NEET.

Recent research from the Centre for Britain and Europe, undertaken in collaboration with the High Sheriff of Surrey, found that around 8.4% of young people in Surrey — more than 1,400 individuals each year — are currently NEET or have an unknown status. Importantly, around 80% are actively seeking employment or education opportunities, highlighting the need for more accessible and engaging support pathways.

The pilot will explore how trusted local organisations, creative activity and hands-on vocational learning can help young people who may not thrive in traditional educational settings build confidence, develop practical skills and move towards positive futures.

Phoenix Cultural Centre has extensive experience supporting young people through volunteering, creative workshops, technical training and live event production opportunities.

Elaine McGinty, CEO and Founder of Phoenix Cultural Centre, said:

“We are delighted to be part of this pilot. We have experienced the value it brings to people to be able to connect quickly and informally in our space and make use of our experience, expertise and equipment.

“We have seen people grow in confidence, step into further work and training, gain first class degrees and leadership and mentoring roles for new trainees.

“Everything in our space is a community asset and should serve more than just supporting our live programmes, by being available day and night and opening up new career possibilities that may not have been easy to access before.

“By maximising professional sound and lighting infrastructure during live and off-peak periods, we support the sustainability of grassroots venues while showcasing their wider value to the creative industries. Our work develops not only artists but also technicians, managers and future community leaders through industry-led training and hands-on experience.

“This pilot allows us to build on that success and share our approach, demonstrating how underused infrastructure, community expertise and strong partnerships can break down economic, physical and psychological barriers, opening up opportunities that were previously out of reach.”

Over the coming months, project partners will work closely with young people and local organisations to identify gaps in support, better understand existing provision and develop practical resources including case studies, toolkits and policy recommendations to strengthen future opportunities across Surrey.

The initiative aims to create long-term impact by strengthening collaboration between universities, grassroots organisations and local stakeholders, helping more young people access meaningful pathways into education, training and employment.

Further updates on the project will be shared in the coming months.