Young people not in education, employment or training (NEET) - Where is Government policy taking us now?

The article examines recent policy development that has focused on meeting the needs of young people who are not in education, employment or training (NEET), particularly relating to financial incentives. It describes one current policy initiative, Activity Agreements (AAs), that are being piloted in some areas of England for two years from April 2006. AAs provide young people who have failed to enter in post-16 education, employment or training, financial support coupled with individualized learning packages to boost re-engagement in learning/training. The article also discusses the significance of elements of the AA package using evidence from a similar policy initiative that has been developed in Australia.