Fears over rising number of Walsall kids out of education or training with 'least skilled workforce'

Councillor Pete Smith, of Blakenall ward, made the remarks in response to data which highlighted 509 young people across Walsall were either not in education, employment or training, or their current status was unknown.

Walsall has the least skilled workforce in the Black Country, with 19,000 adults in the borough lacking any formal qualifications. 

Councillor Smith said: “I raised concern over a recent report which stated that poor outcomes, in particular in 16-to-18-year-olds still translate to children and young people leaving school not ready for the world of work.”

The data from December 2024 indicated 254 young people were not in employment, education or training, and another 253 were unknown. 

Pardeep Kaur, portfolio holder for education and skills, presented the report last month.

It stated that outcomes for children in Key Stage 5, aged 16-18, remained below the national average and that the gap had widened even further. 

Employers in Walsall struggled to attract skilled workers as they were unable to find employees with basic and higher qualifications.

Councillor Smith added: “So why are these 253 off the radar not known about, and what are they doing with their time? How are the 254 not in employment or education surviving?”