A record number of 16 and 17 and year olds (92.3%) in Nottingham City are now in further education, employment or training. This means that Nottingham has the highest number of summer 2014 school leavers in further education, employment or training of all the Core Cities* and more than the national average which is 90.2%.

The figures were published today by the Department for Education (DfE) which makes available quarterly information on the participation of 16 and 17 year olds in education and training.

Nottingham also has the lowest ‘not known’ figures (those whose outcomes post 16 are unknown to the council) of all the Core Cities. At 1.2 per cent, this is considerably lower than many other cities.

Futures, Advice, Skills & Employment, which is part-owned by Nottingham City Council, delivers services for the council to reduce the number of young people classed as NEET (not in education, employment or training). As part of this work Futures provides careers guidance and support to pupils in all city schools which helps keeps students motivated and reduces the numbers of those who drop-out of school.

Futures’ team of advisers ensure that all young people in Nottingham City are offered a place in learning and help young people apply for the right opportunities that best suit their skills. In so doing they work with young people and their families to explore all options that are available after Year 11. Advisers will also arrange interviews and even accompany young people to interviews if they do not feel confident going by themselves.

Cllr Nick McDonald, Nottingham City Council’s portfolio holders for Jobs and Growth, says: “Nottingham City Council has always recognised that helping young people into work is an absolute priority and crucial for the economic health of the city. Over the past three years, since the launch of the Nottingham Growth Plan, we’ve been focusing on that through initiatives like our Apprenticeship Hub, the Nottingham Jobs Pledge and the Step Into Work programme, which provide support, advice and guidance for 16-24 year olds to get into the world of work. We believe that all young people should be given a chance to learn, experience what the working world is like and get onto the jobs ladder.”

Michelle Wright (Operations Director for Futures Advice, Skills and Employment) says: “We recognise that young people face significant competition in the jobs market and that’s why the advice and guidance we provide is invaluable. We are committed to ensuring that students have the best possible start to their working lives. Whether their next steps be further education or vocational training, we want them to have all the right skills to give them the best chance in life to achieve their career potential.”