Welsh Government
 Printable version
|
Reduction in young people not in education, employment or training (NEET) in Wales
Deputy Minister for Skills and Technology, Julie James, has welcomed figures showing a decline in the number of young people not in education, employment or training (NEET).
Figures published yesterday (20th January) show that in the 12 months ending 30 September 2014 only 8.3% of 16-18 year olds were estimated to be NEET, compared with 11.9% at the year ending 30 September 2013. This represents 9,100 young people compared with 12,900.
During the same period ending 30 September 2014, 19.7% of 19-24 year olds (49,000 people) were estimated to be NEET, against 21.4% (51,300) at the year ending 30 September 2013.
The Deputy Minister said yesterday:
“Reducing the number of young people not in employment, education or training is one of the key targets of the Welsh Government. Today’s figures show that even in tough economic times we are delivering for the people of Wales.
“In October 2013 we launched our Youth Engagement and Progression Framework to encourage local authorities and other organisations to work more effectively together to reduce the number of NEET young people across Wales. Today’s statistics indicate that this programme is already delivering good results.
“By working to improve numeracy and literacy in our schools, support young people into training or further education and move into work we are not only supporting individuals but producing a stronger, more resilient workforce.”
A number of Welsh Government programmes help young people into work. For example, Jobs Growth Wales provides unemployed young people aged 16-24 with a job opportunity for six months.
This European Social Fund-backed programme has created 16,775 job opportunities and just over 13,900 young people have filled jobs since the programme began in 2012.
