Youth unemployment and my campaign to boost the number of Apprenctices

Last week, I spoke in a debate on Opportunities for the Next Generation, in the House of Commons.

In Essex, nearly 4,000 young people are not in employment, education or training, with Harlow being one of the worst-affected towns. In the Year 2000, there were around six hundred thousand 16 - 24 year olds not in employment, education or training. By 2010, the number of jobless has doubled to well over one million, where it has remained today.

Given this high level of youth unemployment, I urge that measures are taken to deal with this serious issue. I believe that this improvement should start in our schools and I welcome the Government’s expansion in Academies and Free Schools. I also support the new focus on yielding results and am proud to support many students in Harlow that have recently gained impressive GCSE results.

I believe that we must build up vocational education and I welcome the Government funding of over 100,000 sponsored work experience placements for jobless 18 – 21 year old.

Improving youth unemployment can only be achieved if we encourage the right climate for employers to create jobs. The Government have made steps to create a job-friendly climate by introducing the Work Programme, lower taxes for lower earners, cuts in small business tax and welfare reform and this is encouraging

I have always believed that this issue should not be made party political and I am openly supporting MP for Newcastle North, Catherine McKinnell, who has put forward a proposal to Parliament. This proposal would require companies wining large public contracts to provide apprentiships as part of their bid. I urge the Government to implement this proposal, not just nationally but in local councils. I have called for this repeatedly, and I have discussed it with members of Essex Council, who are taking a serious look at it. Read more here.

I am Co-Chair of the All Party Group on Further Education, Skills and Lifelong Learning and therefore understand the importance of public procurement in addressing the issue of youth unemployment. I am currently in the process of recruiting my new Apprentice for the House of Commons Office.

by Robert Halfon - www.roberthalfon.blogspot.com