Plymouth City Council has become one of many local authorities to support a new national initiative aimed at combating youth unemployment. The movement, spearheaded by Government adviser Alan Milburn, focuses on creating pathways to education, training, and employment for young people aged 16 to 24.
The initiative seeks to foster collaboration between schools, colleges, employers, health services, the Department for Work and Pensions, and voluntary sector organisations. This collective effort aims to implement practical actions and generate more opportunities for the city's youth.
This commitment builds upon Plymouth's existing 'Team Plymouth' strategy, which already unites businesses, educational institutions, public sector bodies, and community partners to enhance skills development and create employment pathways, ensuring local residents benefit from the city's economic growth.
The city's current figures show a statutory NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training) rate of 4.3 per cent for 16 and 17-year-olds, and an unemployment rate of 5.1 per cent for 18 to 24-year-olds, both below the Great Britain average. However, city leaders acknowledge the importance of individual futures and are dedicated to supporting every young person.
As part of the new NEET Taskforce, Plymouth and its partners have pledged to collaborate over the next 18 months. Key objectives include developing a unified plan for positive youth destinations, setting local targets for participation in education, employment, and training, and delivering immediate, practical actions for young people and employers.
“"Plymouth is a city of opportunity and ambition. Major investment, regeneration and growth are creating new jobs and career pathways across a wide range of sectors, but we must make sure that every young person in our city has the chance to benefit from those opportunities."
Councillor Tudor Evans OBE, Leader of Plymouth City Council, stated, "Through Team Plymouth we are already working closely with employers, education providers and partners to strengthen skills, raise aspirations and help people achieve their potential. Joining this national initiative reinforces our commitment to ensuring young people are supported to take their next steps into education, employment or training and to build successful futures here in Plymouth."
“"Every young person deserves the opportunity to succeed, regardless of their background or circumstances. We know that strong partnerships make all the difference. By bringing together schools, colleges, training providers, employers and support services, we can identify barriers early, provide targeted support and help more young people move confidently into learning and work."
Councillor Tess Blight, Cabinet Member for Education, Skills and Apprenticeships, added, "This is about giving young people the skills, confidence and opportunities they need to thrive, while also helping local employers develop the workforce they need for the future."
The new taskforce will contribute to Plymouth's broader goals of fostering a more inclusive economy, enhancing local skills provision, and ensuring the benefits of growth are distributed throughout the city.
