Funding To Get Youngsters Jobs

Work to get Fife youngsters into work has received a £500,000 boost.

The Scottish Government funding will go towards the Developing the Young Workforce (DYW) in Fife Group over the next three years.  

It's to improve links between education and employers and to increase opportunities for young people in the area, linking the council, college and employers.

Youth unemployment is higher in the Kingdom than the national average, with Fife Council investing £6 million in a youth jobs contract in recent years to get more 16-24 year old's into employment.

Minister for Youth and Women’s Employment Annabelle Ewing announced the investment: “I am very pleased to officially launch the regional Developing the Young Workforce (DYW) in Fife Group which will be supported by £150,000 of Scottish Government funding in its first year. 

“These local Developing the Young Workforce Groups will lead a concerted effort to develop Scotland’s young workforce by strengthening regional links between industry and education and training.

“The number of young people unemployed in Scotland is at its lowest level for five years but we are determined to work with employers to ensure that more of our young men and women can secure sustainable and rewarding jobs. 

“Employers will be key to delivering our vision of a world class vocational education system that will open up a wider range of work opportunities to everyone, whatever their background or gender.”

Eric Byiers, Chief Executive of Fife Chamber of Commerce and Interim Chair of the Fife Invest in Young People Group, said:  “There are many examples of great working links between schools, the College and Fife businesses. The business-led Invest in Young People Group gives us an opportunity to build on these connections to extend this joint work to benefit both Fife businesses and Fife’s young people – our future workforce.”