Support For Young Workforce

Thousands of young people across Fife are to be helped to prepare for the world of work.

£5.8 million is to be shared among Scotland's local authorities to get youngsters into jobs. The funding forms part of an action plan to reduce youth unemployment by 40% by 2021.

Councils will use the additional investment to strengthen links between schools, colleges and employers, continue developing work-based learning and career pathways for all young people, and support vulnerable groups towards employment.

Cabinet Secretary for Fair Work, Skills and Training Roseanna Cunningham said: “Work to reduce youth unemployment in Scotland by 40 per cent by 2021 is well underway through actions as part of our youth employment strategy. Last month’s figures showed that youth employment was at 363,000, the highest figure recorded since the same period ten years ago.

“We have already funded Skills Development Scotland to provide more Modern Apprenticeships (MAs) and enhanced careers advice but we need to keep up momentum. Local government has a key role to play in preparing young women and men for employment and is already taking forward a range of activity to help them fulfil their potential.

“This additional funding will allow councils to offer even more support to their young people and further boost Scotland’s economic growth.”