Online training could get Neets into employment

A new scheme will use online training tools to give a helping hand to young people who are 'not in education, employment or training' (Neets).English organisations will be able to use a £126 million funding pot as part of the deputy prime minister Nick Clegg's youth contract.The firms involved in the scheme will be paid by results and will have to compete for money by demonstrating how they are helping Neets out.Children's minister Tim Loughton claimed as many as 55,000 "struggling 16- and 17-year olds" could benefit from the initiative.Prevista will be the project's London provider and intends to help participants use e-learning tools to help youngsters develop self-control, motivation, strengths and social skills.Online learning services will help people with job searches, creating CVs, improve their mindset and outlook and establish character and responsibility.The virtual learning environments will also enable Neets to engage in online training and should help struggling teenagers to enhance their life prospects.It is estimated that as many as 8.1 per cent of all 16- to 18-year olds in the UK were classified as Neets at the end of 2011, or 154,900 individuals.The Department for Education explained the majority of these people will not be Neets in the long-term, with just one per cent of all Brits designated as a Neet when throughout the ages of 16, 17 and 18.Every person helped through the government's project will unlock £2,200 for the organisation that supported them into employment, education or training, with this figure only repayable after the participant has ceased being a Neet for at least six months.E-learning courses could be particularly important to this scheme, which aims to encourage youngsters to improve their literacy and numeracy, as well as take part in application writing and practice interviews."Young people who have fallen through the net need tailored support to get back on track," Mr Clegg said."We can't treat them like round pegs being forced into square holes," he added.