Young Workforce

The Western Isles along with Orkney and Shetland are the latest to benefit from the creation of industry led groups dedicated to helping young people prepare for and find work.

The Scottish Government has provided more than £1 million to establish Developing the Young Workforce (DYW) Regional Groups in the three island groups.

About half the cash will come to the Western Isles.

Regional Groups Minister for Employability Jamie Hepburn said the move will “support employers and educators willing to work together for the benefit of the island’s young people.”

The council’s education chairman Angus McCormack “warmly welcome the funding award from Scottish Government which will support us in making further positive progression on our aims to reverse depopulation - a key priority for our islands.”

Chair of the DYW group Debra Nichol-Storie said: “The Outer Hebrides already has the highest rate of school leavers with vocational qualifications in Scotland and the new Developing Young Workforce Group will ensure pathways to work provide young people with the skills, experiences and certification required in the islands’ economy.”

MSP Alasdair Allan said: “This is great news. Vocational education is crucial to the success of our young people and our economy. The further funding provided by the Scottish Government will help forge links between schools and employers, and aim to prepare children and young people for the world of work.

“If our young people can happily find work here in the islands they are much more likely to stay in the islands. It is crucial we generate enough opportunities for them, especially in the most economically fragile parts of the Western Isles.”

Initiative to support youth into jobs

26 June 2017