Swindon NEET rate for 18 year olds almost Double National Average

The NEET (not in employment, education or training) rate for 18 year olds in Swindon has dramatically increased from 10.3% in June 2012 to 15.5% in June 2013. The current 18 year old NEET rate also compares unfavourably to the national average which was 8.3% in June 2013 and the South West average of 8.6%.  

The NEET (not in employment, education or training) rate for 18 year olds in Swindon has dramatically increased from 10.3% in June 2012 to 15.5% in June 2013. The current 18 year old NEET rate also compares unfavourably to the national average which was 8.3% in June 2013 and the South West average of 8.6%.  

Councillor Cindy Matthews, the Labour’s Group’s Shadow Lead for Children’s Services, said:

“Clearly these figures are disappointing and it is not a good start in life for our young people. With a town that has a higher than average number of jobs within it, these figures show that there are not enough training, work experience and apprenticeship opportunities in Swindon.

The problem at the moment is that Swindon’s schools and colleges are doing well in ensuring 16 and 17 year olds stay in education or training, however when they finish education or training at 18 our young people are not getting any opportunities to start future careers. This has to be rectified as soon as possible and Swindon Council should be working with the private sector and Job Centre Plus in Swindon to give these young people opportunities for employment and training.

At the Council’s last budget round, Labour had proposed to reallocate money currently going towards consultants and using it to encourage more employers to create apprenticeship opportunities. This was rejected by the Conservative administration and the Liberal Democrats, but we would still welcome more money being reallocated for apprenticeships.”

Cllr Cindy Matthews

Labour’s Shadow Lead for Children’s Services