Highlands get 'the opportunity of work' under youth guarantee

Organisations with a presence in the Highlands, SSE and Capgemini, have joined the Scottish Government’s commitment to ensuring everyone aged 16-24 has the opportunity of work, education or training, under the Scottish Government’s Youth Guarantee initiative.

The Guarantee, backed by an additional £60 million investment, aims to give all young people in Scotland the chance to succeed despite the economic impacts of coronavirus (COVID-19).

Commenting, Highlands & Islands MSP Maree Todd said: “Young people in the Highlands and across Scotland should not be faced with long-lasting implications of the coronavirus pandemic, this is why the intervention of the Youth Guarantee is so crucial.

“I’m delighted to see firms who have a strong presence here in the Highlands and throughout the country, sign up to the Youth Guarantee. Through this initiative, Scotland’s young people will be given the necessary support which will allow them to successfully transition into the labour market.

“We need to invest in our future workforce now to ensure our young people reach their full potential. Nobody should be left behind.”

Organisations backing the Guarantee make five pledges to help young people at this critical time:

Prepare young people for the world of work through work experience, volunteering and work-based learning opportunities

Engage with and provide opportunities to young people who face barriers to work

Create work-based learning, training and upskilling opportunities for young people

Create jobs and opportunities for young people through apprenticeships, paid internships and work experience

Create an inclusive workplace to support learning and enable young people to meet their potential.

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