Better start for our young people under the Conservatives
Better Schools for a better future
A good education is vital for a better future.
That’s why our long-term economic plan is delivering better schools by:
Restoring rigour to the curriculum
Toughening up exams
Creating more good local schools, with 800,000 more children in good or outstanding schools than in 2010
And now we’re going further. To overhaul a small but stubborn minority of failing schools, we’re giving powers to school commissioners who already oversee successful schools. They will have the power to remove failing head teachers, pair up failing schools with good ones, and change the curriculum if it isn’t up to scratch.
These changes will help transform failing schools and give parents peace of mind that their child will receive a better education, reach their potential and get on in life.
Helping Young people get into work and get on in life
We’re fixing Britain’s welfare system and helping young people get on in life.
Under Labour, youth unemployment rose by over 40% and young people across the country were left on welfare, without the opportunities to get a job and succeed in life.
But we’re changing that. A future Conservative government will require 18-21-year-olds who haven’t been in employment, training or education for six months to do 30 hours of community work a week as soon as they start claiming benefits.
As part of our long-term economic plan, we’re fixing the welfare system. That’s not just saving Britain money, but also rewarding work, changing lives and giving everyone the chance of a better future.
We’ve already created 2 million apprenticeships and are committed to delivering 3 million more – giving young people the skills they need to learn a trade and reach their potential. But we want to go further and effectively abolish long-term young unemployment.
That’s why we will require unemployed 18-21 year olds to do daily community work, as well as look for a job. That will give young people the work experience they need, and the order and discipline of turning up for work every day.
Welfare is not a one-way street. Yes, we will support young people – but the something-for-nothing benefits culture of Labour is over. That will help young people stand on their own two feet, so they can move off welfare and into work – securing a better future for themselves and for Britain.
More jobs, more apprenticeships, more opportunities for young people
The number of 18-24 year olds not in education, employment and training (NEETs) in England has fallen to its lowest level since 2007.
Official figures show that the number of NEETs fell by 136,000 between July and September to a seven year low (Department of Innovation, Business & Skills, 20 Nov 2014).
Fewer NEETs means more young people starting an apprenticeship, finding a job, and having the security of a pay packet to provide for themselves.
Delivering skills and jobs for young people is a key part of our long-term economic plan.
We’ve created 1.9 million apprenticeships since 2010, and will create 3 million by the end of the next Parliament. Meanwhile, youth unemployment fell by 244,000 in the last year.
By delivering the best skills and tackling youth unemployment, we’re helping young people get on in life and ensuring our country succeeds in the global race.
That’s why we need to keep working through our plan and secure a better future for Britain.
