Asked by: Lord Stevens of Kirkwhelpington (Crossbench - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to support projects aimed at making young people more employable.
Answered by Lord Freud
In the last 12 months youth unemployment has fallen by a record-breaking 253,000. Work Coaches offer tailored support from day one of their claim and young people also receive support Youth Contract; Work Programme; Post Work Programme Support – Help to Work. I am pleased to report we are on target to deliver an extra 250,000 work experience or sector-based work academy places by March 2015.
We are working with Local Authorities to trial a proactive labour market engagement approach with 16-17 year olds who are not in education, training or employment.
DWP is also supporting Movement to Work, an employer led initiative offering work training opportunities to 18-24 year olds. The Civil Service has pledged 6000 opportunities. Over 3000 places have been delivered between April and September 2014, the vast majority in DWP.