We need NEET action
"Too many young people in the Falkirk Council area are leaving school
and not going on to further education or training" says Falkirk East
MSP Cathy Peattie.
New figures released this week show that 262 young people in the area
left school without having secured employment, training or an education
place (Destination of Scottish School Leavers, 2006/7)
"Modern Apprenticeships and Skills Academies are helping to provide
a good mix of academic and vocational training, but we need to increase
provision. Regardless of background or academic ability, it is vital that
all of our young people have the opportunity to fulfil their potential
and take an active part in work and training - vital for them and for
employers.
“I want to see the Scottish government address this problem, but
they won’t invest in Skills Academies and they don’t seem to
value Modern Apprenticeships. If they did they would set targets and ensure
that every young person has a chance to obtain a high-quality training
place.”
Rhona Brankin Labour’s Education spokesperson said: “We want
to ensure that Scotland’s young people get the right skills to allow
them to progress in education or training. This also means every child
having decent literacy and numeracy skills. We would target the ‘hard
to reach’ groups to ensure that they have the skill-set to succeed.
Unfortunately, the Scottish government do not appear committed to skills
and instead are content with warm words and soft promises as 13 per cent
of young people leave school with nowhere to go.”
Labour are committed to 100 Skills Academies in schools and colleges across
the country, bringing back status and recognition for the value of vocational
skills throughout school and the wider economy.
Increase the number of Modern Apprenticeships to 50,000 a year by 2011.
Ends
note: NEET - Not In Education, Employment or Training
(December 2007)
|