Government figures have this week revealed that the county’s NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training) rate at the end of March was 3.7 per cent - compared to a national average of 4.8 per cent.

Since that data was collected, the Hertfordshire picture improved and in May was at an all-time low of 3.5 per cent.

County council Cabinet Member for Enterprise, Education and Skills, David Williams, welcomed the news, and praised the work of staff at the council’s Youth Connexions.

He said: "It is a priority for the county council to make sure young people get a good start in life at one of our many excellent schools and colleges and learn the skills that will enable them to be part of the county’s thriving economy. The figures that have just been released are extremely encouraging and indicative of the commitment of our Youth Connexions staff and our partners, to help young people."

Youth Connexions works with a range of partners including schools, colleges and employers to deliver careers guidance and work-related learning.

It provides a free employment service for 16-19 year olds sourcing vacancies, identifying apprenticeships and developing the skills of young people to be ready for work.

Advisers contact young people to track their progress and ensure that support is given when it is needed.

Currently the service has contact with 97 per cent of 16-19 year olds in the county.

An interactive and smart-phone compatible website at www.youthconnexions.org offers a search facility for jobs and training, along with a CV builder.