Young people in South Gloucestershire are bucking a national trend and getting into education, employment or training when they leave school.
The district’s 16-18 year-olds are defying national statistics and are increasingly seeking an occupation or study after full time education.
While national statistics show the number of young people not in education, employment or training (NEET) is on the rise, figures for the district show a decline in the number of NEETs.
Cllr Sheila Cook, executive member for children and young people, said: “It is encouraging that South Gloucestershire has one of the lowest NEET figures in the country and I am pleased that our effort and investment in this area is making such as big difference.”
“It is so important that young people have access to the right information and opportunities to give them the best chance of a stable and more prosperous future. We want the best for all out young people and by helping them to remain in education to increase their chances of finding work or in assisting them to find employment they are more likely to reach their full potential.”
In 2010 the proportion of 16-18 year-olds not in education, training or employment (NEET) in South Gloucestershire is 3.7%. This represents an improvement on the previous year (4.4%) and is significantly lower than the national rate of 6%. It is also lower than the South West rate of 5.3%.
Although the effects of the downturn in the national economy are continuing to have an impact, this improvement reflects targeted work with young people who are NEET (or are at risk of becoming NEET), alongside a continued increase in appropriate learning and training provision.
Source: South Gloucestershire Council
