NYA Update: Young people who are Neet share their views at youth unemployment event
Friday, April 15, 2011
NYA trainee Jodie McNamara and four young people from the agency's Neet (not in education, employment or training) Engagement Network provided their views and experiences at an event that focused on youth unemployment, skills and the impact of raising the education participation age.
Organised by the Local Government Association, Jodie together with Zach Lawrence, Daniel Ostenfeldt, James Rogers and Jamie Slocombe shared their experiences of being Neet and how it affects their lives and the different areas in which they live, to an audience of local senior authority staff and councillors.
One of the key topics discussed was the importance of getting young people motivated into employment by providing clear pathways, more apprenticeship opportunities, support services and jobs.
Zach, Daniel, James and Jamie joined the Neet Engagement Network when it was set up in 2009 to work with and advise local authorities on the provision of services and to establish new processes for involving Neet young people in developing the local youth offerings.
Jodie McNamara said: "The individual needs of Neet young people are obviously a priority for many local authorities and the attendees were keen to match approaches to gaining a positive end result - jobs for young people."
James said: "I feel the conference went well and our opinions and concerns were listened to.
"I have gained a mountain of confidence from speaking in front of lots of different people. Meeting new people and learning about the problems they are facing in different areas has given me valuable knowledge. Being involved with the Neet Engagement Network has been a great experience."
For further details on the Neet Engagement Network, visit: www.nya.org.uk/integrated-youth-support-services/engagement-network.
