Richmond celebrates opportunities for youngsters

Richmond is celebrating the latest figures that show the borough has the highest national rate of teenagers in education, training or employment. The national average of 16 to 18-year-olds being involved in one of these three activities currently stands at 81.4 per cent, whereas Richmond's figures show that almost 96 per cent of teenagers are working or learning.

The latest figures show that the current number of teenagers not in education, employment or training (NEETS) has met with Richmond Council's targets. The NEET rate within the borough now stands at 3.9 per cent over the last year, with the council's target set at four per cent.

Local organisations are to receive funding to help keep the number of teenagers learning or working high. The council has been awarded £100,000 from the City of London Corporation's charity City Bridge Trust, which will be used to help teenagers receive training and find jobs. The organisations aim to help those at risk from becoming unemployed on a permanent basis to avoid becoming reliant on benefits.

The Positive 4 U Project is one of the council's schemes aimed at getting teenagers into employment or training. The scheme, although still in the early stages, will provide support and help to those who are looking for work or looking to start an apprenticeship. Youngsters will be provided with training and advice to get them ready for interviews and to build their confidence. The scheme will run for two years and support 40 NEET, including those with disabilities.

Councillor Christine Percival, cabinet member for Health and Children's Services, said: "We are delighted at how well our Children's Services team has done in reducing the number of children and young people who are not in education, employment, or training. The future of all our children and young people within the borough is at heart of what we do and we will be delighted to invest the money secured from the City of London in partner organisations that will help reduce our figures even further."

 

Published 27th June, 2013

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