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The minister for economic development says he is 'very disappointed indeed' that only eight young people attended a recent 'Prepare for Work' course.
Allan Bell says his department sent out 450 letters inviting the Island's so-called NEETs - those Not in Employment, Education or Training - to take part.
Seventeen expressed an interest in the course, which ran from December 6 to 10, but fewer than half of those turned up and stayed for the five days.
The course was designed to provide young people with the key skills that employers look for when recruiting staff, including writing an effective CV, preparing for interviews and working as part of a team.
Mr Bell says his department is sometimes criticised for not offering enough support to the young unemployed, but this was was an example of help being ignored. He calls it a 'missed opportunity' for all the young people who are currently out of work.
Mr Bell says government can offer support, but it's up to the young people themselves to take responsibility for their own life chances.
All eight who attended the course said they were now more confident about work and felt the experience would help them find jobs.
The next 'Prepare for Work' course runs from March 28 to April 1.
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