School leavers to be given six-month course in 'job skills'
Thousands of school leavers will be given a crash course in the three-Rs, inter-personal skills, writing CVs and preparing for interviews under Government plans to cut the number of jobless teenagers.
The Coalition is to launch a new “traineeship” programme designed to ensure 16- to 24-year-olds are ready for the world of work, it was announced.
Ministers said the six-month scheme, which could be in place by September this year, would provide young people with the necessary job skills needed compete for full apprenticeships and other employment opportunities.
The move follows complaints from business leaders about poor standards of literacy, numeracy, communication and problem-solving skills among school leavers.
According to figures, more than 1m young people were officially classed as “Neets” – not in education, employment or training – in the third quarter of 2012. It was up by more than 100,000 on the same point in 2007 before the economic downturn.
Neil Carberry, director of employment and skills at the Confederation of British Industry, said: “We cannot afford to waste talent and potential. The jobs market is already challenging for young people, particularly for those lacking the basic skills, experience and attitude businesses look for.
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... (Daily Telegraph - 10 January)