Numbers of Young People in Employment, Education and Training moving in right direction says Ken Skates

Statistics showing the numbers of young people in employment, education and training are moving in the right direction for 16 to 18 year olds have been given a cautious welcome by the Deputy Minister for Skills Ken Skates.

The stats show that 81 per cent 16 to 18 year olds were engaged in some kind of education or training compared to 80 per cent in 2011; 29 per cent were in full or part-time employment compared to 28 per cent in 2011 and 10 per cent were not in education, employment and training compared to 12 per cent in 2011.

The proportion of 19 to 24 year olds in education or training remained the same at 38 per cent compared with the previous year, whilst the proportion in employment decreased leading to a slight increase in the proportion who were not in education, employment and training.

Ken Skates said:

“These figures are encouraging considering the tough economic challenges still facing Wales and the rest of the UK.

“Reducing the number of young people who are not engaged in education, training or employment is one of our priorities and is a key part of our Programme for Government. This means identifying those who are most at risk of falling through the cracks, ensuring that they have the right support and training and being there for them as they make that transition into work.

“Our new Youth Engagement and Progression Framework, which will be published in the autumn, will look at each of these issues, and set out the necessary steps to ensure that where young people are in need of support, we can intervene at a much earlier stage.

“We have already introduced new employment programmes to support young people to gain valuable training and work experience. We are increasing the number of Apprentices and investing in skills. Our flagship youth employment programme Jobs Growth Wales is also making a real difference to young people in Wales by creating over 7000 job opportunities.

“The stats released today show we’re making some solid progress, but clearly there is still work to be done. We can’t afford to be complacent and I will continue to work with employers and the education and skills sector to keep these figures moving in the right direction.”

Communities & Tackling Poverty Minister, Jeff Cuthbert said:

"Reducing the number of young people who are not earning or learning is crucial if we are to improve the life chances of the poorest people in the most deprived areas. Getting this group engaged in education, employment or training at this critical stage in their lives means they are more likely to do well and fulfil their potential."