Experts look for 'Neet' solution

The conference has been organised by the Institute of Welsh Affairs

A panel of experts is to discuss how to tackle the problem of youngsters aged between 16 and 18 not in education, employment or training (Neet) in Wales.

The number has remained at a consistent level of around 12,000, between 10 and 12%, for the last decade, a conference will hear.

Delegates at Coleg Gwent in Pontypool will debate different schemes in Wales.

They will hear Neets fall between compulsory education and eligibility for welfare so are difficult to help.

The conference, organised by the Institute of Welsh Affairs, will be attended by business leaders, careers advisers, academics, and representatives from colleges, local authorities and the Welsh Assembly Government.

They will look at initiatives across Wales that are attempting to tackle the problem.

Earlier this year the assembly government unveiled a £49m initiative aimed to support 30,000 young people between the ages of 11 and 19 to stop them dropping out of education and employment.

Called Reach The Heights it targets youngsters in west Wales and the south Wales valleys to try to prevent them becoming a Neet.