4942 people in the Highlands supported by Skills Development Scotland

24th June 2012

In the Highlands, 4,942 people were supported by Skills Development Scotland's careers information, advice and guidance services (CIAG) in the past year.

Between April 2011 and March 2012, 1,328 people also joined SDS's national training programmes in the Highlands. This includes 985 people starting a Modern Apprenticeship (MA) and 311 new starts on SDS's Get Ready for Work, Targeted Pathways and Training for Work programmes.

Publication of the figures coincides with the launch of a three-year corporate strategy by SDS, Scotland's national skills body, which will see a modernised service use the latest technology, training and labour market research to ensure more people than ever before get the right support to help them build lasting careers.

Plans include more face-to-face careers advice for those furthest from the labour market and a commitment to fund at least 75,000 more Modern Apprentices over the next three years.

Anthony Standing, SDS's Head of Operations for North said: "We closely review our services to ensure they continue to respond to the changing demands of our clients and adequately meet their needs. Last year, this resulted in the development of our interactive online web service My World of Work that complements our existing face-to-face and telephone provision, and allows clients access to our services when, where and how they want them."

Anthony added: "SDS is also committed to strengthening pathways to employment for young people and to making sure the appropriate skills are available across a wide range of sectors in order to drive the Scottish economy."

CIAG is among the core services SDS and its partners offer individuals. Young people, both still at school and those who have left, are offered careers information, advice and guidance, and adults looking to find work, those facing the threat of redundancy and those looking to advance their career can also benefit from SDS's services.

Once again, SDS is looking to work with Scottish employers this year to recruit 25,000 new Modern Apprentices in a range of over 80 different occupations.

Anthony Standing added: "We recently celebrated Scottish Apprenticeship Week and worked with current Modern Apprentice employers to raise awareness of the benefits of the programme among companies not yet involved.

"Businesses of every shape and size can reap real rewards from bringing on employees to a stage where they are fully qualified for the job and understand their employer's needs and aims."

If you are a business looking for further information on SDS's range of initiatives - including the Modern Apprenticeship programme - or if you would like support, advice or information on taking on a trainee or someone recently made redundant, call the employers' helpline on 0800 783 6000.

If you are looking for help to get in to work or training or need advice, call the careers helpline on 0800 917 8000.

For further information and to view the corporate strategy visit:
www.sds.co.uk/ourachievements
www.myworldofwork.co.uk