Tue, 16 Dec 2014A plan to cut youth unemployment by 40% by 2021 has been announced by the Scottish government.

The new youth employment strategy will focus on creating closer links between schools, colleges and employers. It follows a report by the Commission for Developing Scotland’s Young Workforce earlier this year.

According to a press statement from the Scottish government the Commission called for “substantial changes to vocational education in Scotland” and made recommendations on improved opportunities vulnerable groups. 

Key measures over the next seven years include:

•    Increased uptake of work-related learning and qualifications in latter part of school

•    Earlier careers guidance available from 2015/16

•    New standard for work experience by 2015/16

•    New ‘pre-apprenticeship’ pilot to help those furthest from the labour market by    2015/16

•    All secondary schools to have active partnerships with employers by 2018/19.

Also announced was funding of £6.5m to help local authorities ensure young people are ready for work. This funding will be shared among local authorities in 2014/15 to develop vocational and employment ‘pathways’ for young people and strengthen links between schools and employers.

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