Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what recent discussions she has had with Cabinet colleagues on the adequacy of employment and training programmes for young people not in education, employment or training.

Education is a devolved matter, and the response outlines the information for England only.

My right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Education, regularly meets with cabinet colleagues to discuss employment and training opportunities for young people and is actively considering ways to help young people into education, employment or training. The department wants to give young people the best chance to succeed.

At the end of 2021 10.5% of 16 to 24-year-olds were not in education, employment, or training (NEET), the lowest rate on record.

Local authorities have a statutory duty to identify and support young people who are NEET. All 16 and 17-year-olds are entitled to an offer of a suitable place in education or training under the September Guarantee regardless of qualifications gained. More information on this can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/september-guarantee-offers-of-education-or-training-for-16-to-17-year-olds.

A range of provision is available for young people aged 16 to 24 to equip them with the skills and experience they need to progress. The government’s Plan for Jobs includes a range of support to young people to help minimise time spent NEET. These include Youth Hubs and supported internships which offer tailored support for young people with special education needs and disabilities. More information on the government’s Plan for Jobs is available here: https://www.gov.uk/government/topical-events/plan-for-jobs.

The department is also taking steps to increase the number and quality of apprenticeships which will create further opportunities for young people. The new ‘Career Starter Apprenticeships’ campaign is raising awareness of opportunities for those looking for their first role after leaving full-time education. We are working with the Department for Work and Pensions to share and promote this information through Job Centre Plus.