The number of NEETs in Surrey has more than halved in just over four years thanks to a series of initiatives spearheaded by Conservative-run Surrey County Council (SCC).

Latest figures show there were 449 NEETs aged 16 to 19 last month compared to 1,080 in April 2009. That means around 1.5% of 16 to 19-year-olds in Surrey are classed as NEET. According to the latest annual figures from the Department for Education, the figure is closer to 6% nationally.

The dramatic drop follows a series of county council initiatives designed to boost the job prospects of the County’s young people. These include incentivising businesses to hire more than 760 apprentices by next April, a new chain of county-wide centres to equip young people with basic skills, plus extra support in youth centres for those at risk of becoming NEET.

SCC have also saved £4.5 million transforming young people’s services by working more closely with voluntary and community groups.

Linda Kemeny, Cabinet Member for Schools and Learning, said: “It’s fantastic news that the number of NEETs has halved in four years, while we’ve also saved local taxpayers £4.5m by doing things differently and better.”

The Defence Secretary and Surrey MP Philip Hammond also lent his support to the apprenticeship drive, praising Surrey for “selling the virtues of apprenticeships”.

Surrey Deputy Leader Peter Martin added: “Apprenticeships provide young people with skills they need for a successful career, give businesses the workforce they require to thrive and help the economy grow. That is why we’re aiming to create another 500 by next April.”

Last year, the County Council incentivised businesses to hire more than 260 apprentices and is aiming to achieve a further 500 by April 2014.