7 May 2019
Colleges in the Salford area, Salford City Council and employers within the city are uniting to support Salford’s young people, specifically, those identified as ‘not in education, employment or training’ (NEETS).
Salford has double the national average of 16 and 17-year-olds classed as NEET, with 5.8% compared to the average 2.6%. The city also has an estimated 2000 young adults aged 18-24, classified at NEETs, who are not claiming benefits. These are known as hidden NEETs and this makes it difficult to get the help and support they need to progress in life.
With that in mind, a new, two-year action plan has now been launched in a bid to half the numbers of NEETs in the area in the coming years.
The plan aims to further develop initiatives already in place such as Build Salford, which has seen 72 young people find training and employment in Salford’s booming construction industry, and the supported internship scheme, which has helped young people with special educational needs and disabilities in the workplace.
Michael Sheehan, Principal of SCC Group which includes Pendleton Sixth Form College, Eccles Sixth Form College, FutureSkills at MediaCityUK, Worsley College, City Skills, Apprenticeships at Salford City College and the University Centre at Salford City College, said: “We are committed to supporting this city-wide initiative to ensure that the young people of Salford are provided with the support and expertise that they need to be successful.
“Build Salford, The Salford Royal Internship, The Salford Royal Cadet Programme, The Prince’s Trust and The Passport to College programmes are wonderful examples of how the college prepares people for their next steps.”
The Build Salford Traineeship supports 16-24-year-olds and helps them progress onto a career within the City’s construction sector. The Salford Royal Internship and cadets programme help those not already in employment gain careers in the ever-growing health and social care sector and The Prince’s Trust and the Passport to College programmes are available for all NEETs in the area who want to build their skillset and confidence to re-enter education.
If you would like to find out more about any of the above initiatives, please contact one of the College’s in Salford on 0161 631 5000. 