Partner Article

Young face worrying future, but help is available

With A level and GCSE results coming in the next few weeks, the current economic climate has created a worrying scenario for many young people coming into the work and education sectors.

Regionally one third of jobseekers’ allowance claimants are between the ages of 18-24, and nationally one in six young people are not in full-time education or work.

A recent study by the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) shows 82% of young people in the North East are worrying about their career prospects.

Programmes and funding can help some of the younger worriers, with money available to stay on in education with schemes such as the Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA).

19-year-old Wayne Stonebank, from County Durham, has accessed the EMA for a second year running, helping him continue studying for a National Award in Music.

He said: “I liked music at school and did a BTEC First Diploma in music last year to see if I would like it. When I enrolled I heard about EMA and took up the allowance again when I enrolled on my current course.

“The EMA is allowing me to do something I enjoy and giving me the opportunity to carry on my career in music.”

An Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) can give 16-19-year-olds up to £30 per week, to be used for covering study costs.

Dorothy Smith, Regional Director at the LSC North East, said: “These results portray a very different image of young people than we often hear about – they are ambitious and focused.

“A large majority want to further their education and future career prospects are at the forefront of their and their parents’ minds.

“Even for those young people who don’t enjoy the traditional classroom environment, EMA can provide financial support for other options such as Work Based Learning or Diplomas.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .