Gordon Brown has said that improving everyone's skills is one of his top priorities.  Whilst we have seen record results in our schools we need to make sure that our young people have the skills and opportunities to compete in the 21st Century.  I agree.

So alongside increased investment in skills and training for the first time in our country’s history we will make education a right for every young person until 18, and make sure they know about the opportunities open to them.  We must not allow our young people in Southampton to be left behind. The facts are clear to see - if you continue in education or training for longer you earn more and are less likely to be involved in anti-social behaviour. 

I believe we need to make sure that every young person has the chance to achieve a place at university or have access to ‘on the job’ training. We need to make sure that young people have the financial assistance through college and university to realise their ambition - whatever their background.

So the idea is that young people who start secondary school next September will remain in education or training after 16. 

This is not about forcing kids to stay in school.  Young people will be able to choose to stay on full or part time in schools, colleges, work-based learning or in accredited training with an employer.
 
Apprenticeships will be significantly expanded so that they are available to any qualified young person who wants one.  We want better advice and guidance for young people so they get what's right for them and a high quality, accurate registration system to keep track of what education choices a young person has made - and to make sure they don’t drop out.  There will also be support to help them get back into education if they drop out through Youth Support Services. 

Giving young people a say on youth services

From what I've seen when you give young people a say in decision-making, opportunities and services are better. Soon youngsters in Southampton will be able to have their say on what youth services they want in their area. Putting spending power in young people’s hands is a way to provide opportunities which they have never had before and raise aspirations further.   That's why I was really pleased that the Government has announced that Young people will have access to new and improved youth facilities in every community under plans unveiled in Labour’s Ten Year Youth Strategy.

As the MP for Southampton Itchen, I would like to turn this into action. That’s why I am launching a campaign to see what young people and the local community want to see in our area – so that we can improve youth facilities in our community.   So say what you thnink here in this discussion forum.

Should we have a new youth centre, sports facilities, places to go to participate in activities like dance and drama, mobile youth centres or skate parks?

More money for people going to University

As Secretary of State I am introducing a new Higher Education Study Support Guarantee so that those 16 year olds who qualify for the Education Maintenance Allowance will have a clear guarantee of the financial assistance they will receive if they go to university or college.

Financial assistance changes will see an increase in the number of students entitled to full maintenance grants worth £2,700 per year.  Students from families with incomes of up to £25,000 will be entitled to full grants and students whose families have household incomes of up to £60,000 a year will be eligible for a grant in future. 

And when students have graduated and begun their chosen career there will be more flexibility over the repayment of student loans, so that graduates can plan their finances better so that life changing decisions like getting on the property ladder are a bit easier. 

Have your say

Do you agree with access to ‘on the job’ work-based training?