Devon Council and Partners Focus on Youth Opportunities
Steering group meets to enhance job prospects and education access for young people across the county.
By Verity Coombes
••3 min read
Devon County Council
Partners across Devon have convened this week to improve job opportunities and access to education for young people, with the Brighter Futures steering group holding its inaugural meeting.
The Brighter Futures steering group met this week to build on existing work and strengthen local support for young people's employment and education. Launched last year by Devon County Council, the strategy aims to ensure every young person in Devon has the opportunity to succeed, regardless of challenges faced.
This initiative comes in the wake of UK-wide figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) showing 981,000 young people aged 16 to 24 were not in employment, education, or training (NEET) between April and June. Prime Minister Andy Burnham described the situation as an “economic catastrophe and moral failure”.
Devon County Council Leader Julian Brazil stated that the Prime Minister is aligned with Devon's commitment to supporting young people into education, training, or work. He reiterated the council's dedication, with the Brighter Futures Strategy outlining collaborative efforts to enhance opportunities county-wide.
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"Since I became Leader of the Council, I’ve been extremely clear from day one that children and young people have to be our priority. I’m pleased to hear the Prime Minister say that the number of young people not in education, employment or training has to change and that the Government will offer guaranteed support. That is vital and we couldn’t agree more. We’ve been working on exactly these issues here in Devon, and I think there’s a real opportunity now to bring together what we’re doing locally with the Government’s ambitions nationally."
In Devon, 4% of 16 to 18-year-olds were NEET in 2024, below the national average of 5.4%, though the council aims for further reduction. Specific challenges persist, with 13.4% of young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) or Education, Health and Care Plans being NEET in 2024. Almost half of care leavers aged 19 to 21 were also not in education, employment, or training. Transport and access to opportunities in rural and coastal areas are significant barriers being addressed through Brighter Futures.
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"I’m proud to say that we’re already underway with our efforts to address this issue, and our strategy reflects a shared commitment to improving the lives of young people in Devon. But we also recognise that there is much more to do, particularly for those young people who face the greatest challenges. For some it’s about getting to college or work, for others it’s about having the right support around them to overcome more difficult circumstances. That’s why it’s so important that we work together, not just as a Council but with our schools, colleges, employers, health services and communities. The key will be not just helping young people into work or education, but ensuring they stay engaged once they’re there so they can fulfil their potential. The Government’s renewed focus gives us a real opportunity to build on what we’re already doing, and I want Devon to be at the forefront of making that happen."
Based on information from the official source: Devon County Council (23/10/2026)
