The government’s response to the NEETs (not in education, employment or training) crisis is now beginning to take shape, with more apprenticeships, stronger local routes into work and renewed efforts to help those currently NEET take their first steps into the labour market. That is welcome. But there is another question we should be asking: what happens once someone gets through the door? The new local apprenticeship service is designed to create thousands more apprenticeship opportunities, with local teams matching potential recruits with employers and encouraging smaller firms that have never taken on a trainee to do so. It is an important response to the challenge that Alan Milburn identified in his interim report. Become a member for unlimited access to FE Week Our members enjoy early access to exclusive content and in-depth articles before anyone else. Get expert journalism on FE and skills, experience fewer ads, and unlock a growing range of member benefits. subscribe If you have an account, please login. Sign in