Council welcomes ‘Developing Scotland's Young Workforce’ in Highland

15th January 2015

Proposals to deliver the Scottish Government's report on "Developing Scotland's Young Workforce" in the Highlands have been welcomed by Members of The Highland Council’s Education, Children and Adult Services Committee this week.

Members were informed that an implementation strategy for Highland’s young people will need to take into account:
· industry engagement in developing general education Curriculum for Excellence;
· specific vocational pathways leading to industry recognised qualifications;
· college systems focussed on employability;
· apprenticeship opportunities and advanced qualifications through work based learning; and
· a systematic approach to business sector engagement.

Councillor Alasdair Christie, Chair of the Council’s Education, Children and Adult Service Committee said: "This is a very exciting journey for young people and particularly disadvantaged groups about how we can make a positive difference to their lives.

“It is the start of the journey in which plans are likely to include the appointment of a Lead Officer to take forward to Council’s contributions working across the Community Planning Partnership and with the University of the Highlands and Islands and with employers, partner agencies, parents and carers. This is the beginning of a major focussed approach to improving the destinations and outcomes of our young people in Highland."

Leader of The Highland Council, Councillor Drew Hendry added: “This is a key issue for Highland - we need to ensure our young folk are able to maximise the opportunities that are available and be able to compete in a global employment market.

“It is important that Highland Children get access to higher wage careers, should they wish to. A key task is to create stronger connections between the education system and the world of work. The development of the Science Skills Academy will assist, operating as a hub at the Inverness Campus with spokes across various outreach locations across the Highlands.”

The Commission for Developing Scotland’s Young Work force was published in June 2014, and it is available at:
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Education/edandtrainingforyoungple