Teenage ‘NEETS’ total down by 4,000 in a year

Projects such as Scottish Apprenticeship Week have helped to drive the focus onto gaining teenagers work. Picture: TSPL

Statistics reveal there were 29,000 16 to 19-year-olds classified as “Neets” (not in employment, education or training) in 2013, down from 33,000 the year before.

In the 12 months to November 2013, the rates of Neets in that age group decreased in all 32 local authority areas.

The Scottish Government has funded a package of measures to help young people get into employment, education or training, and has a promise of a place in education or training for anyone aged 19 or under who does not have a job.

Cabinet Secretary for Youth Employment Angela Constance said: “A decline in the rate of young people not in education, employment or training in every local authority compared to last year is very welcome news.

“This chimes with the most recent school leaver destination figures that showed the proportion of school leavers staying in a positive destination after leaving school reached 90% in March 2014 - the highest level on record.

“However, supporting more young women and men towards work remains a key priority for the Scottish Government.

“In response to the recommendations of the Commission for Developing Scotland’s Young Workforce on 24 June, the Scottish Government is committed to working in partnership with local government and other stakeholders to deliver world class vocational education, training and to create more jobs and opportunities for the young people of Scotland.

“An initial £4.5 million package of measures to support implementation of these recommendations includes piloting foundation apprenticeships to enable young people to take the first steps towards work before leaving school, developing the careers advisory service and addressing a number of equalities issues.

“This work complements Curriculum for Excellence which ensures a tailored education for all pupils and Opportunities for All, which guarantees an offer or a place in training or education for all 16 to 19-year-olds.”

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