The NYA Blog
Zach, 18, a musician, entrepreneur and classed as NEET
15 July 2010
Zach is 18 and involved in the Engagement Network Project in Cumbria, He is a care leaver and although classed as NEET describes himself as a musician and entrepreneur.
Tell us in about your experience of being classed as NEET
I became NEET as it was the only way to follow my ambition to break into the music industry even though all everyone seemed to constantly tell me was to “take up IT”.
I felt a lot of pressure which took me back to a place I was in the past which I hated and though people listened and I got what I asked for, it seemed that no one understood why I wanted it so passionately, nobody on my level. However Youth Pathways in Cumbria helped, remarkably letting me take the courses I wanted and I succeeded in both of them. After college finished looking for work was a nightmare though as there was nothing at all - not only in my field of expertise, but general work which I could do It was crazy, so that's when I had this mad idea to become a entrepreneur!
How did you get involved in the Engagement Network project?
My personal advisor contacted me to see if I was interested and I said yes. I first went to Penrith for two days to learn about the project which was really interesting and it went from there to the present day.
How has it been? Has being involved in the project helped you? If so how?
The project so far as been really good on many levels: meeting new people, learning new skills and gaining on others, getting to see and meet people who can make a difference, listening to what they have in place in their different area's and taking idea's back to my area and discussing them with the right people.
Tell us where you’re at now… what are you up to and what would you like to do in the future – what are your aims and ambitions?
As I said before I’m an entrepreneur. I ended up being the founder of my own music and film festival called KAVE – Kendal Audio Visual Experience which was held over two days in March. It was a massive success on all levels, had an audience of 250 plus people packed into the venue which was really good. Now I aim to build on that success in expanding the event into something bigger and better. I want to be able to give the chance to give more opportunities to the young people in Cumbria - a chance to showcase their talents in front of media professionals and be involved in key skills workshops in specific areas. KAVE is the place where young music and film talent get their break.
Also I am currently setting up OXJAM Kendal to raise money for the OXFAM charity. The event will include a fashion show, dance acts, a live charity auction, live music solo acts and bands. To round the night off in style there will be DJ's performing taking the event into the night. It's on the 23rd October 2010 and it's an event which can't be missed!!
What would you like your group to achieve in your area?
Well with anything I choose to get involved in I have one personal aim I always strive to achieve which is to make an impact as much as possible. What I would like to achieve in Cumbria is to tackle problems and the causes of people in Cumbria being NEET in an effective way. I think we need local programmes in place for NEET young people so they have a chance to get a job as much as the average person.
I also suggest having a personal advisor dedicating to the NEET cause in all area's of Cumbria and if possible nationally too.