70% of NEET’s in Tendring finding work, apprenticeships or further training in 2009

Government figures released this morning have shown that one in six 18 to 24-year-olds are now ‘NEET’ - not in education, employment or training. According to the Department for Children, Schools and Families, 835,000 are now ‘NEET’, up from 730,000.

However, in Tendring, Essex, local training provider TBG Learning’s NEET programme has achieved outstanding success so far in 2009, with 70% of all young people who enrol on courses with them progressing on to further training, apprenticeships or employment.

TBG Learning centres have been at the forefront in delivering the Government programme aimed at helping the NEET group. Tutors help them improve skills in English, Maths and IT, as well as giving them individual support to develop their confidence. Advice on further training and careers are also given to progress each young person onto something positive. Many learners join the entry to employment (e2e) programme as a ‘NEET’, but in a short period of time are able to gain skills to help them into apprenticeships or employment.

In Tendring, Ellie McCarthy enrolled on the e2e programme, and in just two weeks was successful in securing an apprenticeship placement with Omega Estate Agents, and has now progressed into a full time job. Nathan Phillips, who has ADHA and difficulties in concentrating, took just 13 weeks to secure a full time position with Grantleys Electrical as a sales assistant.

Rob Fitt, TBG Learning Tendring centre manager commented: “In Tendring the amount of young people who are NEET is always higher than the national average, so to have a 70% positive progression rate is a huge success. The e2e programme is a great tool to get young people back on the right path.”

Iain Wright, the minister for 14-19 reform, said school leavers had been badly hit by the recession.

"Reducing the proportion of 18 year old Neets has proved challenging, and we know that the economic downturn is significantly affecting young people," he said.

The Government has said reducing the number in this age group is a priority, but the figures show they rose by more than 13,000 to 233,000.

ENDS

TBG Tendring 081

For further information please contact:
Helen Sharkey Project PR, Telephone 01473 326405 / 07521 318127