A nation of NEETs – what’s the solution?

By: Lindsay Plumpton

Communications Leader

Thursday 05 July 2012

0 Comment

According to recent headlines, the number of 16 to 18-year-olds not in education, employment or training has risen by 5.7 per cent in the last year. As reported, the proportion of young people staying on in school after the age of 16 has fallen for the first time in a decade and this comes amid a move to raise the school leaving age.

Children and Families Minister Tim Loughton said NEETs figures had been "too high for too long" but the Government was determined to tackle the issue by reforming education and the qualifications system.

The Government is set to spend £126 million over three years on extra targeted support for the 55,000 16 and 17-year-olds most in need of help.

This investment is certainly encouraging but what’s the best way of recapturing the ‘lost generation’ and setting them on the right track? How can we ensure that they have the knowledge and skills that employers need?

In many cases, Foundation Learning (FL) qualifications are a key way to increase participation and progression for learners who are demotivated by traditional academic study. FL is a flexible framework of qualifications which allow you to create personalised programmes for the learner. Is this the answer?

Tags:

Authors

Lindsay Plumpton

Communications Leader
96 posts
David Grailey

Chief Executive
79 posts
Andrew Gladstone-Heighton

Policy Leader
75 posts
Esme Winch

Managing Director
35 posts
Michael Lemin

Policy and Research Manager
25 posts

Schools

Colleges

Training Providers

Employers

Learners

NCFE is a national Awarding Organisation

Join the debate