The latest set of quarterly figures for Connexions show that, despite the challenges faced by the current economic climate, Oldham's NEET (Not in Education, Training or Employment rate) is lowest of its statistical neighbours, and only just above the national average.
The NEET rate is the number of 16-18 year olds Not in Education, Training or Employment expressed as a percentage of 16-18 year olds living or studying in Oldham. It is tracked by Positive Steps Oldham, Oldham's youth support service which delivers a range of young people's services including Connexions and the Youth Offending Service.
The percentage of NEET young people for May 2009 stood at 7.1% for Oldham, and compares favourably with its statistical neighbours' average of 10.9%.
Some of the key reasons for this low rate are outlined below:
- In 2008, Positive Steps Oldham opened 'The Centre' The North West's first Targeted Youth Support Centre, delivering a range of agencies to young people under one roof.
In addition to this, Connexions has also implemented a number of initiatives which are aimed at reducing the NEET rate in Oldham, with the support of local partners.
These include:
- Providing access to basic skills tutors to young people through The Centre
- Commissioning a range of local organisations to deliver a pre-E2E programme, lasting 12 weeks and addressing a range of issues which may be acting as a barrier to further training, education or employment for a young person
- Implementing a Fast Track to Success programme for Year 11 school pupils identified as at risk of becoming NEET
- Piloting an Activity Agreement programme which provides young people with work experience opportunities
One young person Lisa Bambrough (17) believes she would still be NEET now if it wasn't for the help she's had from Connexions. 'I always wanted to become a hairdresser, but was suffering from really low self esteem and didn't feel able to go to college. I attended some self esteem sessions at The Centre, on a one to one basis, and then in group sessions and these really helped me. Connexions also found out when the enrolment date was for hairdressing course at college, and helped me fill my form in. When I got a place on the course they even got my uniform for me. Without all this help I would definitely still be at home now, instead I am really enjoying my college course, and have just got a place on the next level for next year.
Although the NEET strategy is led by Positive Steps Oldham, partnership working is key to its success and the results of the activities described above would not be possible without successful inter-agency working. A key aim is ensuring that these resources are easily available to NEET young people in Oldham, who are traditionally very hard to engage with.
Council leader Howard Sykes says: 'Oldham's extremely high level of young people in employment, education or training should be a real source of pride for everyone in the borough, as it is for me. It's some achievement that young people can grow up here knowing they have the same opportunities, and can aim as high, as their peers in other, perhaps more affluent parts of the country.'
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For more information contact Nyree Hood, Marketing and Communications Officer 0161 6219395
