to change their futures
Sitting stubbornly at above the one million mark, the fear that youth unemployment will create a “lost generation” bearing scars long into adulthood has been amply voiced. But the risk of becoming lost is far greater for young people with special educational needs (SEN).
Close to a third of young people with SEN statements at 16 are not in education, employment or training (Neet) two years later. The percentage of 18-year-olds without statements who are Neet stands at 13 per cent. It is a discrepancy described as “deeply troubling” by the public accounts select committee in January.
To help address this scarcity of opportunity, the government is piloting a supported internships programme for young people with complex learning difficulties or disabilities. Fourteen further education colleges are taking part in the programme, which offers structured work experience with employers, on-the-job training and the chance to study for qualifications.
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