Higher number of Dundee teens not engaged in work or training

Teenagers are more likely to be out of work, training or education in Dundee than in any other part of the country, new figures show.

Some 391 young people aged 16-19 in the city are not engaged in any of those pursuits, according to Skills Development Scotland.

Dundee’s participation rate – those in employment, education or training – is the lowest in Scotland at 87.6%.

The national average is 91.1%, compared with Angus (91.9%), Fife (88.7%) and Perth and Kinross (93.1%).

Across Courier Country, there are 1,456 young people “not participating”.

A Dundee City Council spokesman said they are taking on apprentices in a wide range of roles and have approved a £250,000 fund for a further 50 opportunities for young people.

“The city council is working hard with its partners to provide more training and employment opportunities for young people in the city so that they are able to move on to sustainable employment in the long term,” he added.

Carrie Lindsay, who heads up Fife Council’s department for education and children’s services, said they are working with Fife College to deliver 300 apprenticeships to young people.

She added they are working with local businesses in programmes to “ensure young people develop their knowledge, skills and competencies and also to raise aspirations” before leaving school.

“We recognise that there is still much to be done, but take encouragement from the improvements over the last few years,” she said.

Jamie Hepburn, the employment minister, said: “Going forwards we want to ensure that all of Scotland’s young people have access to the best possible opportunities and we are committed to continuing to work with local authorities to minimise the number of young people not participating in education, training or work.”

Picture: Getty. The rate of young people aged 16-19 in Dundee in work or training is the lowest in Scotland at 87.6%.