Disadvantaged young people face immediate cuts to government training scheme

14 April 2009

Training providers have written to schools secretary Ed Balls warning that vital training for many of the country's most disadvantaged young people is in real danger of being cut back now because of the budgetary difficulties facing the Learning and Skills Council.

The difficulties mean that effective provision in the form of the Government's Entry to Employment (E2E) training programme is about to be cut for 16-18 year olds at greatest risk of becoming part of the NEET group. This is because providers, many of which are charities or not-for-profit organisations, have been unable to get confirmation of funding from the LSC for youngsters who have already joined the scheme and for many who wish to start either now or in the near future.

The Association of Learning Providers (ALP), which represents many E2E providers such as the Rathbone and YMCA charities, has pointed out to Mr Balls that young people in the 16-18 age group have a statutory right to appropriate education or training and that for many of them E2E is the most appropriate form of provision.

ALP has suggested the reported current underspend in Apprenticeships for 16-18 year olds, resulting from a drop-off in employer demand, should be used for responding to the increased demand for E2E.

In his letter to the minister, ALP's chief executive, Graham Hoyle OBE, said:

"For young people who are not yet ready to enter an Apprenticeship programme and choose not to stay on in full time education, the E2E programme often represents the most suitable provision to ensure their continuing development and so avoid becoming a part of the NEET group.

"ALP members delivering E2E include some colleges of Further Education and private sector providers, but are for the most part third sector providers. They deliver E2E in some of the most deprived areas/estates of the country to young people often with few or no qualifications and wholly disaffected by the idea of returning to the classroom or lecture room.

"To many young people, the E2E programme therefore often represents the only route to meaningful prospects and avoiding a life on benefits or getting into trouble with all the costs to society which that can entail. This group of people includes those with often multiple disadvantages, in need of intensive, bespoke support. Providers are currently reporting that funding for E2E places is being held back at just the time when, because of the economic situation, demand for places is increasing."

ALP has asked the schools secretary to look into the matter urgently with a view to confirming that the statutory rights of the country's most vulnerable young people will be upheld and that the necessary funds will be made available to supporting the E2E programme.

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