This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Support for NEET programme
08/11/2006
Experts from the private and voluntary sectors are to work alongside Ministers in reducing the number of young Scots not in education, employment or training (NEET).
Four high profile recruits have agreed to support the work of the NEET Programme Board in improving access to opportunities for those identified as NEET, estimated to be around 20,000.
They recruits are:
- Mark Adams from Microsoft
- David Watt from KPMG
- Euan Davidson, formerly CEO of the Princes Trust
- Ray Perman from the Hunter Foundation
First Minister Jack McConnell said:
"Tackling the issue of moving young people into education, employment and training is a national priority for Scotland.
"For the majority, the transition from education into the world of work is smooth. But too many are still being excluded from the benefits being enjoyed by the majority. Too many are struggling to find their way in life, and too many feel unable to achieve their full potential. They represent a waste of human capabilities and a missed opportunity for Scotland's economy.
"That is why earlier this year, the Deputy First Minister and I launched Scotland's first-ever action plan to tackle this unacceptable waste of potential. We are committed to seeing early, measurable progress on tackling NEET, and putting in place local and national targets for NEET reduction by 2008. We are already making progress.
"I am convinced that the people we have working with us, with their skills and knowledge of business needs in Scotland, will prove to be an invaluable asset to the delivery of the NEET strategy."
Speaking in a debate in the Scottish Parliament today, Deputy First Minister Nicol Stephen said:
"I am delighted to confirm that we have, with the help of the Smith Group, identified and recruited four key players from the private and voluntary sectors to work with us and help deliver on our aims.
"We must give chances to each and every one of our young people. We must fill them with confidence, ambition and do everything possible to unleash their creativity. We must ensure that all of Scotland's young people enjoy a range of suitable opportunities. Each must have the chance to realise their goals and get the most out of life.
"All seven target area local authorities have submitted their plans to deliver targeted, personalised learning and support to the young people already in the NEET group and those most at risk of joining it. Within the Executive we have put in place new cross-cutting arrangements to focus the whole organisation on tackling the NEET issue.
"With the support and enthusiasm of businesses across all sectors, local authorities and the commitment from the Scottish Executive, there can be no doubt that we are taking steps in tackling once and for all the NEET problem in Scotland."
In addition, Scottish Business in the Community will be joining the coalition, bringing their experience of partnering employers and those working with young people to developing a bespoke approach to employer engagement in Dundee, one of the NEET target areas.