More ‘NEETS’ being helped by county council’s ‘Skills For Employment’ teams

File photo dated 06/10/11 of a trainee bricklayer as teenagers are to be offered new courses in engineering and construction as part of an overhaul of vocational education, ministers announced. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Thursday March 7, 2013. The Government said it is developing seven new qualifications in the two subjects, which it says will give students the skills and knowledge employers need and prepare them for careers in these industries. It also confirmed that thousands of vocational qualifications could be cut from A-level league tables as part of a fresh bid to raise standards. In total, there will be four new vocational qualifications in engineering and three in construction. The move is likely to draw comparisons with the last Labour government's flagship diploma qualifications. See PA story EDUCATION Qualifications. Photo credit should read: Ian Nicholson/PA Wire

Over 68 per cent of 230 young people classed as ‘NEET’ (Not in Education, Training or Employment) were helped in the last year, compared to 66 per cent and 59 per cent in the previous years

The team gives 16 to 18 year-olds training, employment and education advice, CV writing and interview tips.

Coun John Knight described the figures as ‘encouraging’, adding: “We are reaching more young people who need our help and are able to assist them and get them onto a positive education, training or employment footing.

“The support we are able to provide is vital in giving them extra confidence and direction at a critical time of their life.”

The county council’s Skills for Employment teams are based at six young people’s centres across the county – Eastwood Young People’s Centre, Myplace Westfield Folkhouse, Mansfield, Dukeries Young People’s Centre, Ollerton, Retford Young People’s Centre, Stapleford Young People’s Centre and the Eastbourne Centre in Sutton. They open from 9am to 3.30pm from Mondays to Thursdays.