Supporting Young People Into Work

1st December 2012

New contact point for 16 to 19 year olds.

0800 917 8000 is the new number for Scotland's young people to call if they are seeking a place in training or education.

Young people can now receive expert, locally-focused advice on the places available in their area to ensure they can benefit from Opportunities for All, the Scottish Government's guaranteed offer of a place in education or training for all 16 to 19 year olds.

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."
Background

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.