Hayley, our Schools worker recently shared this post on our blog. You can see more of her blog here.

Often when I read the news my heart is full of questions that start with why? I’m interested in people’s stories and their journeys. But I’m more and more convinced that the government doesn’t care. They see numbers and categories, ways to make themselves look and sound good. It often feels like they have no idea about how their actions actually effect peoples lives.

The story that has really stirred me this week is one surrounding Labour and their desire to cut youth benefits and therefore encourage our unemployed young people to go into training rather than to claim benefits (see Mr Miliband on that here).

I understand why Labour want to bring in training programmes for 18 – 21’s before they can claim job seekers. And, to a certain extent, I feel like it’s a brilliant plan. They are finally understanding that many young people are leaving school under-skilled and need some practical help.

But, why are they leaving school under-skilled? Why is this being allowed to happen? Why isn’t something being done earlier? Like when they’re 15 (or younger) and they realise that actually studying to pass (soon to be 100% exam based) courses is not going to work for a large percent. Not because they’re lazy or unfocused, but just because their brains aren’t wired that way.

Our education system as it stands at this moment in time is setting up a lot of our young people to fail. There is so much importance placed on passing exams and getting into University, that we forget about those that struggle academically. We need to be recognizing our young people’s talents earlier on. If they can study for exams and pass then AMAZING! HURRAH! Encourage and love them in that and see them do the very best that they can do.

But what about those young people (of whom there are many) that struggle with exams. They are all individuals with specific talents and gifts and at this moment in time we’re treating them as robots and as long as we continue to do so we will continue to lose them. Those that aren’t good at exams become bored and disillusioned, or they lose all self confidence as they compare themselves with others and struggle to know what they are good at. This has the ability to affect them for the rest of their lives.

So, yes Labour, training our young people so that they have skills to get into work younger is a great idea. But may I suggest that you start to think about this earlier on in the education process and in doing so remove the hurt and give them the opportunity at a young age to experience the satisfaction and accomplishment at doing something they are good at for the benefit of others.

Source: Clearing the Runway