NCB today welcomes new research from the Prince’s Trust highlighting that the current generation of young people is missing out on crucial employment opportunities. The report also calls for a commitment, in advance of the general election and in the context of the ongoing recession, for continued investment in education, training and employment for young people.
The percentage of young people aged 16-18 not in education, employment or training (NEET) in England is higher than the European average at 10%, and recent research shows that being NEET for six months or more between 16 and 18 is the single most powerful predictor of economic inactivity at the age of 21. It also greatly increases a young person’s likelihood of living on a low income, becoming involved in criminal activity, living with depression or becoming dependent on drugs.
Barbara Hearn, Deputy Chief Executive of NCB says: ‘Positive steps have been taken recently by government through the 14 – 19 reforms. However, we must ensure that young people’s talents and aspirations are taken into account when they are matched with training or work placements. In addition, we must make sure we are appropriately engaging with particularly vulnerable groups including teenage mothers, care leavers, people with disability or learning difficulties, and young offenders’
Barbara continues, ‘The social and economic costs of neglecting services that support young people into employment, education and training are enormous in terms of increased demand on state services and the effective marginalisation of a large proportion of the young population. Programmes such as our Life Routes programme which helps vulnerable young people aged 11-19 develop life skills and realise their own potential, and a new NCB initiative to employ and develop skills in young people who would not normally have access to employment in the third sector, need ongoing support and investment. They provide vital support as young people make the transition from youth to adulthood, and help to ensure that young people go on to live happy and fulfilling lives.’