28th June 2005 - Workplace mentors can put young people back on right path of education and training, says Blunkett
David Blunkett today said positive role models in the workplace could provide the path back into education and training for young people who would otherwise fall into a life of anti-social behaviour or drugs.
Speaking in London as the Government launched its action plan Together We Can, he said for alienated 16 to 17-year-olds who had dropped out of school or college, workplace mentors would provide the leadership and direction needed to get back on the path to skills and better careers.
Mr Blunkett said:
“Education and training should be the main focus for 16 to 17-year-olds, but for those young people who have been alienated by school or college, we need to look for work place solutions to get them back on track.
“Positive role models, acting as mentors in the workplace, could be the first step to re-engaging young people who have dropped out of education and training.
“When 16 to 17-year-olds are outside the world of work or skills, their lives can enter a downward spiral, as the only voices they hear are those leading them into a dark world of drugs, gangs and anti-social behaviour.
“Our job is to ensure we offer them a way out, away from the wrong sort of role models. Once they get into the workplace they will be surrounded by older people, who can mentor them, provide guidance, and offer a route into that crucial education and training for their future.”
The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions was speaking at the end of a one-day conference launching the 65-point action plan Together We Can.
It aims to bring government agencies and the public closer together, as part of a drive to empower local communities and improve quality of life.
The essence of the plan is to give local people the capacity to influence and create change.
“Even the most difficult issues can be resolved if we take people into our confidence and share the challenges with them.
“In my new role I’m endeavouring to do this, by taking Ministers out to the communities, so we can hear people’s concerns and what they want at first hand.
“Government cannot do anything without people at a local level becoming engaged and realising they can make change happen, no matter what the issue,” he said.
Together We Can is a cross-government initiative covering eight key policy areas, which will be carried out by 12 government departments.
Notes to editors:
- The Together We Can action plan was launched at an event for representatives of government agencies, service providers and community bodies. It is the first in a series of events around the country designed to bring the action plan to life and secure the support of those bodies and service providers who will help drive the movement at a local level.
- The 65 point action plan, including case studies will be available at the event and from the Home Office.
- A detailed press pack along with a statement of support from voluntary and community organisations is also available from the Home Office Press Office.
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