Non-formal learning should receive official accreditation, according to national youth work charity UK Youth. With youth unemployment standing at nearly one million and with almost one in every ten young people being recognised as NEET (not in education, employment or training), the charity argues that accrediting non-formal learning would enable potential employers to get a more complete picture of each individual’s abilities and skills.
Such a move could be important for many young people with special needs who follow non-formal learning programmes. Currently, young people are twice as likely to be NEET if they have SEN or a disability.
The Chief Executive of UK Youth, John Bateman, said: “Non-formal learning gives young people the confidence and skills to get into work, training or full-time education and is a key element in resolving the problem of helping youngsters escape the NEET trap.”
