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20 July 2012 10:22
Ministers will pay private companies to give jobless teenagers a wake-up call, literally, in a drive to get more youngsters back to college or work, it was announced today.
The initiative is part of Nick Clegg's £126 million Youth Contract to tackle the record number of England's 16 and 17-year-olds not in education, employment or training - the so-called "Neet" generation. The Deputy Prime Minister today revealed more details about the scheme, which will see charities and businesses paid by results and up to 55,000 youngsters return to college or find jobs.
Organisations can receive up to £2,200 for every child helped, but the full amount will only be paid if a young person is still in full-time education, training or work six months later.
One scheme in the North East, run by Pertemps People Development Group, will see wake-up calls offered "to help young people develop a routine". Another, in Yorkshire, will see ex-soldiers deliver motivational sessions to disengaged youngsters through the Heroes to Inspire campaign.
Other schemes will involve helping youngsters create CVs, improve their social skills and providing them with work experience.
