Aileen Campbell, SNP MSP for South of Scotland, has welcomed the announcement from the Scottish Government of a £6.5m funding package specifically to support the annual influx of young people who will leave school or college this summer.

With approximately an extra 3,000 young people expected to be entering the job market for the first time, the measures will ensure they all have the support they need, for as long as they need it, to move into long-term sustainable employment.  Supported being funded by the Government includes  800 vocational pathway opportunities for 16 and 17 year olds, a £1,000 incentive for up to 2,000 employers to offer a modern apprenticeship to young people who face specific barriers to securing such an opportunity including care leavers, 750 graduate placements over the next three years, 1,000 volunteering opportunities and a new national helpline to support those employers who can offer a young person a job, a modern apprenticeship, or a work experience opportunity. 

Commenting, Aileen Campbell MSP said: 

“This funding will help young people in the Clydesdale area and across the country who are entering the workforce for the first time this summer. 

“The recession has hit young people hard, but the Scottish Government is determined to do what it can to support them. Today’s £6.5million measures will support and motivate employers to offer young people an opportunity while Skills Development Scotland is signposting young people to help and advice. 

“Any young people looking for advice and information about starting on the careers ladder can call the Careers Helpline free on 0800 917 8000 or visit www.skillsdevelopmentscotland.co.uk.”