Williams speaks to Local Government Association about training for young people

12.00.00am GMT Wed 4th Nov 2009

Stephen Williams, Bristol West's Lib Dem MP and Shadow Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills, has addressed a central London conference organised by the Local Government Association on how to re-engage young people in education and training. The conference was also addressed by the Secretary of State for Communities, John Denham MP, and Conservative Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary Theresa May MP.

Stephen told the delegates from local councils all over the country that young people had borne the brunt of the current recession, with 40% of the total number of unemployed people being aged between 16 and 24. He outlined some emergency measures proposed by the Liberal Democrats for dealing with the recession and reducing youth unemployment over the next eighteen months.

The Liberal Democrats would introduce a ninety day guarantee beyond which no young people would remain on the unemployment register, and would instead be given a funded training place. The party also has plans to expand the number of two-year foundation degrees, and for creating up to 800,000 paid internships, where young people would be paid £55 per week while on a work placement.

Stephen also spoke about the long term need to reduce the number of young people who are not in employment, education or training, so-called NEETs. He mentioned the need for an all-age careers service, kicking in at age 13 so that people could be given proactive advice on their education and work prospects throughout life.