Tackling Youth Unemployment

Apprenticeship challenge aimed at helping more young people in north east Fife reach their potential.

A campaign is to launch aimed at driving down youth unemployment.

The 100 Apprenticships Challenge is asking businesses in north east Fife to consider creating apprenticeships and training programmes.

It will be launched at Watts of Cupar on 8 August 2014 and all employers, large or small, whether they've employed apprentices and trainees before or not, are invited to attend.  Local training providers who are taking part in the challenge will be present to speak to employers about the possibilities that taking on an apprentice or providing a work experience placement offer.

A number of local businesses, who have employed apprentices in the past, as well as the apprentices themselves, will make contributions in support of the challenge and to encourage others to sign up.

Commenting, Sir Menzies Campbell MP said:

"Young people in North East Fife have an enormous amount to offer local businesses but too often they do not get the chance they need to gain essential skills and experience. I think that needs to change.

"Apprenticeships and training opportunities are key to ensuring young people gain the skills and experiences necessary to succeed on the job market. Not only do they provide young people with opportunities and careers they may not otherwise have had, they are a real help to all businesses who take them on."

Councillor Tim Brett added:

"The 100 Apprentices Challenge is seeking to give 100 young people across North East Fife the opportunity to gain skills and take vital first steps on the career ladder. I hope that as many local businesses as possible will get behind this initiative and help give more young people the chance to succeed."