Hotline To A Place In Training Or College

16th September 2012

The first ever national hotline for 16 to 19 year olds looking to take up the offer of a guaranteed place in training, college or university was launched by Youth Employment Minister Angela Constance today.

The Opportunities for All free phone number, 0800 917 8000, will put any young person directly through to an expert adviser in their own local area who will know what opportunities are available and suitable to their skills and career ambitions.

The phone line will be manned by Skills Development Scotland staff from 0900 to 1700 hours, Monday to Friday.

Minister for Youth Employment Angela Constance said:"The Scottish Government has made a unique and explicit commitment to offer every 16-19 year old a place in education or training through Opportunities for All.

"Thousands of young people are taking up such places every month, developing their skills and experience and improving their chances of finding employment.

"But we are aware that not every young person has found something that is right for them. We are determined that all our young people have a dedicated contact point where they can get advice on the place in education or training that is right for them.

"0800 917 8000 is the number and trained staff are ready to help. We want to do everything we can to help young people maximise their employment opportunities and today's launch ensures that help is simply at the other end of a phone call."

The Skills Development Scotland Contact Centre will act as the first point of contact between a young person or their parent or guardian on 0800 917 8000. If the caller's needs are not addressed by the Contact Centre Adviser, they will be able to put the caller in instant contact with the appropriate local centre. Staff will be available at the contact centre from 0900 to 1700 hours, Monday to Friday.