Poppy Zivkovic works as an IT apprentice for apprenticeship training provider Primary Goal.
Now 17, she left school at 14, subsequently becoming NEET [Not in Education, Employment, or Training].
She has made it her mission to get this letter in front of Andy Burnham and has been documenting the campaign along the way, reaching out to the media and trying to get the issues facing young people like her heard at a national level.
Dear Prime Minister,
I hope you are well.
My name is Poppy Zivkovic, and I wanted to share my story with you as someone who is passionate about supporting young people in my hometown, Manchester, and across the country.
Not long ago, I was classed as a NEET myself as I left school when I was fourteen as it wasn’t the right fit for me. Like many other people in that position, I faced uncertainty about my future and struggled to see a clear path forward. At that time, I lacked confidence and direction, and I understood firsthand the challenges that many young people face when they feel disconnected from education or employment.
The turning point for me came when I was given opportunities, guidance and support that allowed me to rebuild my confidence and develop valuable skills. Through hard work and encouragement from those who saw my potential, I was able to move into employment and begin building a career with a purpose I believe in.
I am now 17 and I work with Primary Goal and support the work of the Future Ready Foundation, helping young people who are currently facing many of the same challenges I once experienced myself. I have included a short video I made when I was in Year 4, which captures my early passion for the themes and opportunities I am now fortunate enough to work on every day. It is a reminder that despite the challenges I later faced at school, the ambition to make a positive difference has always been there.
One of the moments that made me reflect on how far I have come was presenting an award at the nEdEx 2026 School & Trust Leadership Awards. Standing on a stage and celebrating the achievements of others was a proud moment for me. As someone who was once a NEET myself, it highlighted the journey I have made. From lacking confidence in my own future to being on a stage in front of over 250 leaders from schools and education and recognising their successes. It was a powerful reminder of what is possible when young people are given the right support and opportunities.
What makes this work so meaningful is that I can genuinely connect with the young people I advocate for. My story is proof that with the right guidance, determination and opportunities, young people can overcome barriers and achieve things they never thought could have been possible because of their position.
I wanted to share my story because it reflects the positive impact that investing in young people can have. As someone who has been on both sides, being a NEET myself to now advocating for others in the same position to overcome the same challenges I faced, I am passionate about ensuring that young people have access to the support they require to succeed.
I would be incredibly grateful for the opportunity to meet with you and your team. I’d love to share my experiences and some of the ideas we’ve been working on to help more young people access digital skills, careers guidance and opportunities through something we’re calling Digital Cities.
As someone who has lived the experience of being NEET, I don’t just understand the statistics. I understand the reality behind them. I’d love the opportunity to help shape solutions that ensure more young people can follow the same journey I have.
Thank you for taking the time to read my story and for everything you are doing to create more opportunities for young people across our country.
I know there are thousands of young people who are where I once was, unsure of their future and unable to see the opportunities that are available to them. I was fortunate that someone believed in me and gave me that chance. It completely changed my life.
My hope is that every young person gets the chance that I was given, no matter where they come from or where their journey starts.
If you ever have the opportunity to hear directly from young people with lived experience, I would be honoured to share my story and the work we’re now doing to help others build brighter futures.
Thank you again for your time, and I hope to hear from you soon.
Yours Sincerely,
Poppy Zivkovic [email protected]
Doug Woodburn is editor of IT Channel Oxygen
Poppy Zivkovic
Poppy Zivkovic works as an IT Apprentice for apprenticeship training provider Primary Goal.
