Figures published yesterday for the final quarter of 2013 show that over 20% of 19 to 24 year olds in Wales are not in employment, education or training.
Angela Burns AM, Shadow Minister for Education, said, “These latest figures show that under Labour, over a fifth of young people in Wales are economically inactive and missing out on the rewarding experiences of further education or learning a profession.
“The first few years after the end of compulsory education should be an exciting time for a young person when they can prepare for the world of work or set out on their chosen career path.
“After 15 years of successive Labour Governments, Wales remains the poorest part of the UK, but employment and education represent a key route out of deprivation, but for too many young people these opportunities are being missed.
“Welsh Conservatives would create the conditions in which the private sector can prosper and create new skilled jobs as well as encouraging entrepreneurship amongst young people as a way to nurture prosperity.
“Reducing the number of young people not in employment, education or training will be more challenging due to Labour’s cuts to adult education courses, the systemic failure in school standards and failure to provide the conditions in which enterprise can flourish.”
