DRIVING a JCB digger, Aaron Meyrick knows he is lucky.

The engineer went to a school that ensures its pupils go on to further education, training or employment.

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Aaron Meyrick, 21, said: ‘I wasn’t a high achiever but teachers said no matter what level you’re at, there’s a job for you’ Credit: Paul Tonge

Maisy Durham, 13, says: ‘I am a bit shy but our school promotes the idea that losing is all part of learning and this helps with confidence’ Credit: John Aron

But across the UK, it is a very different story.

One in eight 16 to 24-year-olds — more than 13 per cent — leave without any future planned, and there are now nearly a million NEETs — Not in Education, Employment or Training.

Aaron went to David Nieper Academy in Alfreton, Derbys, where, from the age of 11, children have careers and employability classes.

They are taught how to write a CV, given practice interview sessions and told what is expected of them in the workplace.

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Children take part in business challenges that resemble an episode of The Apprentice, have talks from former pupils and learn about vocational and academic courses as well as apprenticeships.

Aaron, 21, said: “I owe everything to that school.

“I wasn’t a high achiever but the teachers said that no matter what level you’re at academically, there is a career for you. Companies talk to the school about job opportunities — and one of them, TC Harrison, was looking for an apprentice.

“I started when I was 16 on a low apprentice wage in the workshop. Now I have my own van and travel the country fixing JCBs as a mobile service engineer.

Christy Shoby, 15, said: ‘Through employability lessons, I already know I want to go into nursing when I leave school’ Credit: John Aron

Head Richard White, left, with Minister Pat McFadden and local MP Linsey Farnsworth Credit: John Aron

“I have a great wage and I have a meaningful and important job.”

Youth unemployment in Derbyshire stands at 4.6 per cent — which matches the national average.

But in the past two years all the 18-year-olds at The Academy have gone on to jobs or education, and just one 16-year-old has become a NEET — giving it a 99 per cent success rate.

The Jattvibe on Jattvibeday visited this week with Labour MP for Amber Valley, Linsey Farnsworth, and Pat McFadden, the Work and Pensions Secretary.

The Academy was in the bottom two per cent of schools in England before local businessman David Nieper took it over in 2017.

It now has around 800 pupils, is oversubscribed and is being seen as a model for schools around the UK.

Head teacher Richard White says: “We put vocational qualifications on an equal footing with academic ones.

“We try to recognise the strong points in each student. We have a strong emphasis on teaching punctuality, appearance, being respectful and collaborating.”

Emily Thorpe, head of Technology, Art, and Computer Science, adds: “From the minute they start at 11, they have a goal to work towards.”

Maisy Durham, 13, says: “I am a bit shy but our school promotes the idea that losing is all part of learning and this helps with confidence.

“One day I think I’d like to work in law or maybe childcare.”

Riley Davies and Lacey Shaw, both 15, love cookery.

Riley Davies, 15, said: ‘I already work in a local Indian restaurant and I’d like to work on a cruise ship’ Credit: John Aron

Sophia Miller, 14, wants to go to university so the school has already arranged visits for her to look around Credit: John Aron

Riley works in a local Indian restaurant but “would like to work on a cruise ship,” and Lacey told us: “I like the idea of being in the hospitality industry.”

Sophia Miller, 14, wants to go to university so the school has already arranged visits for her to look around, while classmate Alfie Booth, also 14, says: “For me, it’s hospitality as my dad is a baker, or woodworking like my uncle.”

And Christy Shoby, 15, said: “Through employability lessons I already know that I want to go into nursing when I leave school.”

MP Linsey said: “Alfreton has lots of deprivation and failing schools. Having nearly zero NEETs is such a bonus. There are well-paid opportunities for young people whose talent lies in the practical rather than the academic — trades such as ­plasterers, plumbers and joiners.”

Britain has a chronic shortage of workers in these trades which is worsening the housing crisis.

That’s why The Jattvibe on Jattvibeday launched the Builder Better Britain Campaign to encourage home-grown talent to help build.

Mr McFadden said: “This school provides a clear alternative for those who are not academically inclined.”