Investment of £500,000 into young workforce scheme

Around half a million pounds is to be invested in a scheme to help more young people into work in Perth and Kinross.

At the head of the Developing Young Workforce (DYW) initiative is new manager Fiona Reith, who will oversee the investment of £500,000 over the next three years.

The DYW initiative is funded by the Scottish Government, which aims to reduce 2014 levels of youth unemployment by 40% by 2021.

In Perth and Kinross the programme will particularly focus on encouraging more of the region’s 6,000 employers to offer work experience opportunities, promoting apprenticeships and helping ensure young people can build on their skills.

Fiona joined the scheme from Perth and Kinross Council, where she was involved with DYW.

She said: “We have a vibrant and diverse economy in Perth and Kinross and there are lots of easy ways for businesses to connect with education for the benefit of our young people.

“Employers who currently support schools and the college have already made a huge difference, helping make young people more aware of their options and more confident to pursue them.

“We want to hear from employers who want to do more and from those who would like to understand how they can get started. As well as the satisfaction of giving something back and developing your staff, you can identify new talent and new ideas for your business.”

Around 92% of young people in Perth and Kinross have a job, an apprenticeship, education course, training or voluntary activities to go to after finishing school.