07/06/2026
Councillors Praise UTC Scunthorpe Following Visit as Concerns Raised Over Rising NEET Numbers
Town Ward councillors have praised the work being carried out at UTC Scunthorpe after a recent visit to the college, where they witnessed first-hand the benefits of high-quality, career-focused education.
During the visit to the Carlton Street campus, councillors observed lessons, toured specialist facilities and spoke with students, reporting high levels of engagement, confidence and professionalism throughout the college.
Councillor Lorraine Yeadon said she was highly impressed by both the students and the learning environment.
âWe were extremely impressed by what we saw at UTC Scunthorpe. The students are talented, inquisitive and highly motivated. They present themselves professionally and clearly benefit from an environment that prepares them for the world of work,â she said.
Councillors highlighted the standard of student presentations and communication skills as a particular strength of the college. One standout moment during the visit involved a student confidently delivering a PowerPoint presentation using only brief prompts and without relying on notes.
Councillor Mohammed Ali described the presentation as âpolished, professional and incredibly impressive for a young person.â
The delegation also praised the collegeâs specialist facilities, including dedicated medical training environments and inclusive support provision designed to assist students with disabilities.
Councillor Yeadon added: âUTC Scunthorpe is an excellent example of what can be achieved when education is aligned with practical skills, confidence-building and employability.â
Despite the positive example set by the college, councillors warned that similar success is not yet being consistently replicated across North Lincolnshire.
The issue comes amid growing concerns about the number of young people classified as NEET â not in education, employment or training.
Last year, Councillor Yeadon, the only Labour representative serving on the Councilâs Childrenâs Scrutiny Panel, formally requested that panel members visit UTC Scunthorpe to gain a better understanding of its approach and explore lessons that could help shape future education policy. Although the request was agreed, the visit has yet to take place.
âIt is extremely disappointing that this opportunity has been missed,â she said. âIf we are serious about reducing NEET numbers, we must be willing to learn from what works.â
Councillor Yeadon described the rising number of young people not engaged in education, employment or training as âdeeply troublingâ, warning that too many are at risk of falling through the cracks without the right support.
Town Ward councillors are now calling on the Conservative-led administration at North Lincolnshire Council to take urgent and practical action to create more pathways into education, training and employment.
Councillor Ali said: âOur young people deserve better. We must act now to ensure that every young person has access to the opportunities they need to succeed.â
The councillors said the success of UTC Scunthorpe demonstrates the value of combining academic learning with practical skills and employer-focused training, and believe its approach could provide important lessons for improving outcomes for young people across North Lincolnshire.
