13.2% of young people are Not in Employment, Education, or Training (The Jobs Foundation)

Skills, Employment, and the Digital Entry Point

The UK faces a growing skills and employment challenge, with nearly one million young people not in education, employment, or training. In response, over 125 business leaders have called for the introduction of Skills Tax Relief — a policy designed to incentivise businesses to invest in training, apprenticeships, and work-based learning.

This reflects a wider recognition that employment pathways must be strengthened, and that businesses play a central role in creating opportunity. However, access to employment is not the starting point.

While policy and employer investment are critical, individuals must first have the skills and confidence to engage with a digital-first economy. Without this foundation, opportunities in training and employment remain out of reach.

The Missing Step Before Employment

Access to employment is built on a sequence of capabilities:

• Digital access and connectivity
• Basic digital skills and confidence
• Ability to navigate online services and platforms
• Readiness to engage with training and employment pathways

Without these foundations, individuals remain excluded from opportunities — even when programmes and jobs are available.

IFB Gaming’s Role

IFB Gaming operates at this critical entry point, bridging digital exclusion and employability. Our approach ensures that individuals are not only connected, but prepared.

• Interactive toolkits that build foundational digital skills
• Structured pathways from devices to impact
• Community delivery through IFB Data Waypoints
• Integration with learning and employment platforms
• Support for individuals to move from access to opportunity

By enabling individuals to build confidence and capability, IFB Gaming strengthens the pipeline into training, employment, and long-term independence.

Employment begins long before a job — it begins with access, skills, and confidence.