Alison Johnstone, Green MSP for Lothian and a member of Holyrood’s economy committee, today welcomed a pledge by the Scottish Government to implement findings from the Wood Commission to tackle youth unemployment.
Ministers have announced £4.5 million for apprenticeships, regional employer partnerships, careers advice and addressing gender segregation following publication of the final report by the Wood Commission earlier this month. The report made many recommendations which will result in the establishment of world class vocational education in Scotland.
Angela Constance MSP announced that the funding will cover the following initiatives:-
- Piloting Foundation Apprenticeships, allowing young people to start training while still at school
- Piloting Advanced Apprenticeships – including to graduate level – in key skills sectors
- Getting regional employer partnerships off the ground
- Developing Scotland’s careers advisory service to provide earlier support
- Addressing gender segregation and assisting young disabled people and minority groups to better access training and employment programmes
- Enabling Education Scotland to support schools, colleges and communities to better prepare all young people for the world of work
Alison Johnstone MSP said:
“Across Scotland there are tens of thousands of young people whose potential is going untapped, and it’s welcome to see The Scottish Government starting to take this issue seriously.
“I remain concerned that young parents affected by Westminster’s welfare cuts are struggling to increase their work hours, and I will continue to press not just for more childcare but for more flexible working and part-time college places. Our young people, especially young women, must have genuine choice.
“I will also continue to press ministers to recognise the importance of micro, small and medium-sized businesses in recruiting young people, and the need for finance for young people to set up their own businesses.”
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