A new campaign has been launched in West Cumbria to ensure young people have pathways into work, education or training.
Josh MacAlister, Whitehaven & Workington MP, launched the NEET Zero campaign at the Festival of Work at Lakes College at Lillyhall, near Workington.
The Festival of Work was organised by All Together Cumbria and Morgan Sindall.
More than 1,100 school pupils from across West Cumbria attended the event to meet more than 80 employers, universities and training providers.
Mr MacAlister’s campaign aims to reduce the number of young people who are not in education, employment or training to as close to zero as possible.
He was joined by Skills Minister Baroness Jacqui Smith alongside local employers, education and training providers.
Mr MacAlister said: “West Cumbria has an incredibly bright future. From clean energy and advanced manufacturing to healthcare, construction and digital technology, new opportunities are opening up across our area. My priority is making sure local young people are first in line to benefit from them.
“That’s what NEET Zero is all about. Every young person deserves a clear pathway into work, education or training. We should never accept that anyone leaves school without hope, direction or opportunity.
“The Festival of Work shows what is possible when schools, colleges, employers and training providers come together. Seeing more than 1,100 young people meeting over 80 organisations under one roof was genuinely inspiring.
Mr MacAlister sponsored the event, giving students the opportunity to learn about apprenticeships, technical education, further and higher education and local careers.
Baroness Smith also visited the Energy Coast UTC while in the area.
