The Scottish government is hoping to increase the inclusion in the workplace of the country’s young people with the appointment of a dedicated minister for youth employment.
First minister Alex Salmond proposed the creation of the post last week month as the government attempts to address the growing issue of unemployment among young people, with 100,000 of Scotland’s 16 to 24-year-olds currently out of work.
It has now been announced that Angela Constance, currently the children’s minister, has been chosen to take up the role.
Ms Constance will have a £30 million budget at her disposal to help boost the employment prospects of young people.
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Commenting on a her new role at the opening of a new state-of-the-art facility at Ayr College for those studying aircraft engineering, she said: “My appointment yesterday as a dedicated minister for youth employment marks the start of a new phase in tackling what is clearly a significant challenge for our economy and our country as a whole.”
The minister highlighted recently published figures that show that 88.9 per cent of young people in Scotland are entering work, training or further education after leaving school.
“It is good news that young people continue to enter work, training and education in such high numbers, particularly in the current economic climate, but we must keep up momentum,” she commented.
Ms Constance also pointed to the Scottish government’s announcement this week that £15 million of funding is to be made available to help a restructuring of the country’s college system which will see them operate in regional groups.
“Alongside our guarantee of a place in training or education for every 16 to 19-year-old through Opportunities for All I am confident that we will be able to significantly improve outcomes for Scotland’s young people,” she said.
