Training scheme age range extended

Feb 27 2013

A scheme which offers a guaranteed place in training or education for teenagers has been extended to include vulnerable young people aged up to 24.

An additional £6.3 million for Community Jobs Scotland is expected to help hundreds more young people into work.

The voluntary sector programme will receive £5.75 million for 2013-14 to support up to 1,000 young people into employment, with 10% of the budget ringfenced for those with disabilities and long-term illnesses.

A further £550,000 will be used this year for 100 job opportunities for young people with disabilities and long-term illnesses. This is over and above the initial £8.5 million for 2012-13.

The eligibility age range of vulnerable young people will be extended to 24, having previously been 16 to 19.

Speaking at the Gathering on Youth Employment in Glasgow, Minister for Youth Employment Angela Constance said: "Community Jobs Scotland has played a pivotal role in delivering Opportunities for All, our unique guarantee of an offer of a place in training or education for 16 to 19-year-olds. Extending the programme for another year will help hundreds more improve their life chances through finding jobs.

"The time is also right for those involved with Community Jobs Scotland to ensure our most vulnerable young people aged up to 24 can benefit from their expertise. Furthermore, a ringfenced budget for those with disabilities and long-term illnesses will help address the particular barriers they have accessing the labour market.

"In 2013 the Scottish Government will be stepping up its commitment to supporting young people into employment.

"As well as Opportunities for All, we are already committed to at least 25,000 modern apprenticeships in every year of this Parliament and we will shortly launch a new employer recruitment initiative to aid small and medium businesses that want to take on more young people.

"I would urge employers in Scotland, big or small, to make young people their business in 2013."