Charity Jobs Boost For Youngsters

At least 1,000 jobs for unemployed youngsters are being created as part of a funding scheme with charities.

The £6.1million investment from the Scottish Government will go towards the Scottish Council of Voluntary Organisations (SCVO).

Those taking on out of work 16-24 year olds will receive government support in order to pay them the Living Wage of £7.65 per hour for at least 25 hours a week.

Jobs by category:

• 300 for vulnerable young people (e.g. care leavers and ex-offenders);• 150 for 16-17 year olds;
• 300 for 18-19 year olds;
• 150 for 20-24 year olds;
• 100 for disabled young people.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon made the announcement at the David Hume Institute as part of their 'What sort of Scotland do we wish to create?' series.

She said: “The education I got is a major reason why I’m able to stand here today as the First Minister of Scotland. So it’s important to me personally that every young girl and boy growing up today – regardless of their background – gets the chance to do the same.

“The removal of obstructions to education, and the opening up of new opportunities, has been the focus of many of the major initiatives of my first 100 days.

“From supporting mothers in the early stages of pregnancy, to helping people gain their first experience of work, this government is committed to promoting opportunities and reducing inequalities

“Because education is not just part of our sense of ourselves, it’s the key to a better future for young people growing up in Scotland today. And it is at the heart of the fairer, more prosperous Scotland, that all of us seek to build.”

Since 2010, more than 5,500 young people have benefited from the programme since which offers unemployed vulnerable people, aged 16 to 24, 6-18 month training posts and has helped the Third Sector by providing financial support to host employers.