What is the difference between the local authorities of Telford and Wrekin and the one of Warwickshire? They both are in the West Midlands region, however, local young people are not given the same chances in life.
According to a report of the Learning and Work Institute, Telford and Wrekin has the worst ratio of 16-17-year olds not in education, employment or training (NEET) in England. The authority is ranked at the 144th place in England, whilst Warwickshire is ranked 29.
Stephen Evans, chief executive, Learning and Work Institute said: “Our new Youth Opportunity Index shows that young people’s life chances are directly affected by where they live. This is a basic unfairness and this new report shows where efforts need to be focused.”
Inequalities in opportunities
While nine boroughs of London occupy the top 20, the West Midlands shows mixed results. Differences that the authorities will have to pay attention on in order to erase a gap between rich and poor regions.
In other words, each young people doesn’t have the same chances of success. It depends on where they live.
Stephen Evans said: “The Index shows how education and employment outcomes vary across the country and identifies the key opportunity gaps. We hope that it will help local authorities and others to prioritise their focus and target their policy efforts to ensure all young people get a good start and fair chance in life.”
The Learning and Work Institute has edited a map of the regions of England. The darker the color is, the hardest to find employment or training.