Youth Employment UK CIC
Press Release
Ofsted Survey: Transforming 16 to 19 education and training: the early implementation of 16 to 19 study programmes
Youth Employment UK CIC (YEUK) welcomed the Ofsted review into the Study Programme and was pleased to attend the lecture given by Lorna Fitzjohn on Ofsted’s findings and recommendations. It was clear to see that Sir Michael Wilshaw and Ofsted are motivated to challenge 16 to 19 education providers to improve the implementation and delivery of the Study Programme.
In his opening statement Sir Michael Wilshaw said that the gaps between education and employment was worryingly wide, too many young people on vocational training pathways are not being well served and when young people drop out of the system they disappear as there is not sufficient tracking in place to support them. A combination of poor careers guidance and little or no work experience is resulting in young people not being prepared sufficiently for the world of work.
Lorna Fitzjohn reinforced this message with the findings of Ofsted inspectors, in some local authorities the number of “unknowns” (16-24 year olds who are not in education, employment or training and not being tracked by the LA) is 40%. This statistic is worryingly high and emphasises the need to ensure a better system for tracking young people and monitoring provision which YEUK is also calling on government for.
Fitzjohn also criticised the Careers Education offer and lack of quality work experience opportunities for young people in education. Ofsted found that in some educational institutes there was no provision for IAG or links with employers and local labour market needs. YEUK echo’s this finding, many of our 16-24 members have cited the lack of careers information, inspiration and work experience as a major barrier to employment and our employer members feel that young people are not fully prepared for work.
YEUK welcomes the findings in the survey and recommendations made by Ofsted, understanding early the challenges and issues with the Study Programme will help focus providers and government on the steps needed to improve the education experience for all 16-19 year olds.
Laura-Jane Rawlings of YEUK said “Our education system is too often failing its young people, its purpose must be to support the learning and successful transition of all pupils and clearly this survey highlights that this is just not the case in too many settings. Young people are still at risk of leaving education poorly prepared for work and of slipping through the net of support. Whilst youth unemployment figures are still too high and long-term unemployment a continued concern we must act fast to set in motion the changes that will make the biggest difference to the greatest number of young people. Accountability must be enforced with clear consequences in place, IAG and Work Experience must be available and the quality of this provision must be regularly reviewed against best practice.
YEUK and its members will continue to challenge government to take action on ensuring a fit for purpose education system for all.”
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Contact: Laura-Jane Rawlings 07748744049
Note to editors
1. About Youth Employment UK CIC (YEUK)
Youth Employment UK CIC (YEUK) is the national campaigning and membership organisation dedicated to tackling youth unemployment. Its members include 16-24 year olds, employers, educators and youth organisations. Bringing together a collective voice for all of those invested and affected by youth unemployment.
Website: www.yeuk.org.uk Twitter @YEUK2012
2. Ofsted survey report on early implementation of 16 to 19 Study Programmes
The Ofsted report can be downloaded here
