Improving Job Prospects

Work is continuing to help get young people across the Kingdom into work and higher education.

An extra £2 million was recently committed to the Fife Youth Job Contract.

The money will help build stronger links between the business community and schools.

It will also help with wage subsidies for employers and pre-recruitment training.

Deputy Council Leader, Councillor Lesley Laird said: "Despite the progress we've made, Fife is still above the national average when it comes to youth unemployment and figures show there are 400 young people leaving school without achieving a positive outcome like a job, a college or University place or training.

"The council needs to make choices about how it is going to tackle these challenges.

"Building on the results of projects like Fife Youth Job Contract and giving a greater focus on early intervention and prevention work will be key to long term success.

"There are already many great examples of this type of approach across the council and there's more action planned linked with work around Culture of Enterprise and Curriculum for Excellence in schools.

"Making stronger links with schools, Fife College and the local business community, building on the strength of the Opportunities Fife Partnership, all these factors are key to helping us achieve our common goals.

"We also need on-going commitment and investment from our manufacturing businesses in Fife, they play an important role in supporting and growing our economy, getting people into work who in turn put money into our local towns and communities."