The Youth Contract – helping young people to achieve and succeed

If you are 16 and 17 and are not in education, employment or training, and have low qualifications, such as no GCSEs at grade C, you may be referred to participate in the Youth Contract.

On the Youth Contract, a mentor will be working with you over a six month period to give you the skills and confidence to get back into education, training or employment. They will:

• meet you to discuss your options and agreeing an action plan

• help you to go back to school, start a college or training course, such as an apprenticeship, or to find a job

• help you to succeed and achieve by sustaining your education, employment or training for five out of six months.

Education and training at 16 and 17

From July 2013, all young people will be required to stay in education and training for another year after they leave secondary education. Find out more about the range of choices available to you.