Sunday, 26 June 2011 20:56 Independent training providers will be particularly important over the next few years as the government aims for full participation of 16-17-year-olds, according to Peter Lauener, chief executive of the Young People's Learning Agency (YPLA).

"50 years ago, only 20 per cent of young people stayed in education and training after 15, that figure now is 96 per cent, so we're well on the way to 100 per cent," Mr Lauener told FE News at last week's AELP 2011 conference.

"For 17-year-olds, the figures are 60 years ago only 10 per cent (1 in 10) young people stayed on to 17," he said, adding that this number is currently 85-90 per cent.
However, he warned that a big challenge for both groups will providing young people with a range of opportunities.

Although some young people suit an academic curriculum, many more need practical work-based learning opportunities, said Mr Lauener.

"And that in my view is where we've got a deficit in this country," he added.

Ben Spencer