South Glos Lib Dems have won cross-party backing for action to give local young people better access to education and training.

At Wednesday’s South Gloucestershire Council meeting, Oldland Common Councillor Jane Allinson called on the Council to work with the local universities and business to improve access to university, work and apprenticeships for young people from disadvantaged backgrounds. “I came from a poor background but from an early age my parents made it very plain that education was a priority as it was a means of escape and a better life. Demographically we live in a rich area but it is a sad fact that no South Glos school makes it into the top 100 Comprehensives sending pupils to the leading 30 universities in the country. It is vital that South Glos works with both UWE and Bristol University to promote higher education to those who might not otherwise consider it.”

“Another grave concern is the high number of young people not in employment, education or training, who go by the acronym NEETs. 15% of 16-24 year olds are NEETS in our region, with the South Glos figures being slightly worse than that. We need to be working with partners, targeting those young people. There are a raft of bodies who will help, if we take the lead. One scheme in Glasgow works on the concept of a “deal” that youngsters and tradesmen understand. It’s a chance for the trainee to gain skills and experience and to be treated as one of the workforce. The Tradesman gets a hassle-free recruitment process with no obligation and no mountain of paperwork. We need to be helping businesses to do that here.”

“We went to see an action plan from the Council, starting with a study of ‘NEETs’. From there we can identify targets and work with businesses and the voluntary sector to achieve them.”

Cllr Ian Blair, the Lib Dem spokesperson on Children and Young People, said afterwards, “This is about encouraging local schools to work in partnership with universities to ensure that young people, particularly from deprived areas, have the chance to experience university. I also welcome the proposed University Technical College in Filton. This will be a further opportunity for our young people to gain high quality technical qualifications.”

He added, “The Liberal Democrats are keen for young people from all backgrounds to consider university as an option. It’s important that young people understand the new system of university funding, which is effectively a time-limited graduate tax, and aren’t put off by scaremongering. I welcome Simon Hughes’ announcement on scholarships for teenagers from low-income households.”

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