'Neets'

Very interesting article from The BBC:

'The Work Foundation says more than 450,000 Neets - youngsters not in education, employment or training - have never had a regular job... too many youngsters in this Neet category lack soft skills - such as "communication, team working and customer service" - to get a start in such jobs.'

I'm glad this issue has been brought to our attention, a wake up call at least:

'We know that if young people haven't got on to the first rung of the job ladder by 24, they will suffer the consequences for the rest of their lives'

I moved to London from Wales, and the people here 'work' a little quicker in the mind set- you could say. I'm sure it depends what working industry you're in and without trying to sound like a snob-there's a clear difference in attitude and pace. You have to be on the ball, think outside of the box and motivate yourself:

'"Many Neet young people face a Catch-22. They don't have the so-called 'soft skills' employers are looking for, but often the only opportunity to learn those skills is on the job," he said. '

For me personally, this is scary! Looking at the image below, areas common in 'Neet's' are those I've grown up in and where family and friends are situated. Sometimes I think I'm too harsh in how I think about these areas, but the evidence is there:

We can't assume people from these areas are of lesser intelligence, there are always circumstances which affect opportunities. Though, whether it's a question of mentality or a case of bad luck in trying to find something, I hope attitudes don't follow in the statistic footsteps. Encouragement must continue and opportunities are also created by ourselves.