David Kidney,  Stafford’s labour MP welcomes the help that is being given to 16-to 19 year olds.

In a world where we are competing with emerging strong new economies, it will really matter to the future prosperity of our country that we make the most of the skills of every young person.

If young people are left without the right opportunities it is a tragedy for them as individuals, it makes everything in their life so much more difficult. It is also a waste of the most valuable assets we have as a country – our people – it is a waste we cannot afford.

This is so important that at a time when other budgets have to be cut it is right that we are spending money to create opportunities.

Support is being given in a number of ways

The school leavers Guarantee ensures that every 16 and 17 year old who wants to stay in learning has a place in school, college, training or an apprenticeship. This scheme has been running very successfully now for a number of years. It has helped more people than ever before to stay in education or training after 16.

The pre budget statement has committed an additional £202m to help 1.6 million 16-17 year olds stay in education or training next year.

The Education Maintenance Allowance gives financial support for young people staying in education. This is being expanded 2010-11 to give support to an extra 80,000 16 to 19 year olds. This is being funded by a combination of extra investment and removing the EMA bonus system.

A special discretionary learner support fund is also being made available to  help those young people facing real hardship. This can help people buy  course-related equipment, emergencies and travel costs. It is important that  that no teenager drops out because they can’t afford to stay in learning.”

The Investing in Potential strategy will encourage employers to take on 16& 17 year old apprentices by providing  5,000 ‘golden hellos’ of £2,500

Our young people matter, periods of recession have always hit young people hardest. It is important that we learn lessons from the failure to support young people well in the recessions of the 70s and 80s.

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