School-leavers need action, not words

Published on Sunday 5 July 2009 21:56

KEITH Brown, the Scottish Government's schools and skills minister, claims the SNP government is committed to providing more choice and opportunity for early school-leavers.

Yet, according to reports, latest official figures show the number of Scots youngsters who find themselves jobless after leaving school has soared. The so-called Neets – teenagers not in employment, education or training – rose from 10.6 per cent in 2007 to 13.4 per cent in 2008, swelling the ranks of a "wasted generation" and costing taxpayers an estimated 3.5 billion in benefits and lost tax.

The net result is that Scotland now has the largest number of Neets in northern Europe. How does the Scottish Government respond to this deepening and shameful crisis? By suggesting the term Neets is abandoned in favour of the more politically-correct Charm – children at risk of missing out. When this was judged to be just too twee, advisers came up instead with "Young people in need of more choices, more chances". I have a better acronym – Mwacs – Ministers without a clue.

Whatever fatuous description advisers may devise to label these youngsters, none will make a jot of difference to their plight.

This is yet another area of education policy where successive governments, of whatever political hue, have failed lamentably, primarily because it is not a vote-winner and requires not only action but radical, long-term vision.

Much greater attention needs to be placed on providing meaningful education in our schools. That means more emphasis on teaching skills that will truly benefit youngsters who are less able academically. Before that can happen, however, it will be necessary to shake off the political obsession with academic achievement, and especially the ludicrous target of sending 50 per cent of all teenagers to university.

More fundamental is my firm belief that, as a society, for selfish as well as altruistic reasons, we must ensure that all children have a future mapped out for them until they are at least 20. It may be university, apprenticeships, community service, technical colleges (yes, we should bring them back and not pretend they are universities), the armed services, local government or similar potential opportunities.

Of course, there will be a cost, but when it comes to protecting the futures of our young people, surely it will be a price worth paying.

ARCHIE STIRLING

Scottish Voice

Craigarnhall

Bridge of Allan, Stirling