Ambitious scheme to help young people find jobs or training in East Midlands launched

A pioneering scheme to give young people who are Not in Education, Employment or Training (NEETs) opportunities to get back on track launched in the East Midlands region has been welcomed.

The scheme is targeted at the estimated 4,800 of 16-17-year-old NEETs in the East Midlands and is part of Liberal Democrat Leader and Deputy Prime Minister, Nick Clegg's Youth Contract.

The charities and business that will provide the service in the East Midlands were announced. Here in Derbyshire it will be carried out by Groundwork Derbyshire. They have had to show a track-record in getting young people into education, apprenticeships, training or work with training and will be paid by results.

The programme, to take place over the next three years, will focus on at least 55,000 16-17 year old NEETs with no GCSEs at A* to C, who are at the highest risk of long-term disengagement.

Commenting, Cllr Tony Rogers Chairman of East Midlands Liberal Democrats and deputy leader of Lib Dem Derbyshire County Councillors said:

"Sitting at home with little to do when you're so young can knock the stuffing out of you for a very long time. It is a tragedy for the young people involved and a ticking time bomb for the economy and society as a whole.

"Liberal Democrats in the Coalition Government are doing the right thing by supporting young people in the East Midlands who have had difficulty finding a job or training and are at risk of becoming damagingly disengaged.

"This announcement will ensure they receive personal, targeted support from experts to help them develop the confidence and skills that the need to stay in education or find a job.
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Youth unemployment is a slow burn social disaster so it's right that although money is tight, the Coalition Government is prioritising investment on NEETS as part of the Youth Contract so our children can get the necessary skills for a lifetime of work by earning or learning."

Commenting further, Deputy Prime Minister, Nick Clegg said:
"Young people who have fallen through the net need tailored support to get back on track. We can't treat them like round pegs being forced into square holes - if you're young and have got to the point where you feel on the scrapheap, you need extra help to succeed in life.

"Disengaged young people often have complex problems that act as a barrier to getting them learning again, which the Government alone can't deal with. But very often local charities and businesses know what's going to help them.

"That's why we're unlocking funding for these organisations to be as creative and innovative as they can, to do whatever it takes, to get the young people who need it most back on their feet. In exchange for this freedom, all we ask is that they get results. It's a win-win for young people and the organisations involved."