Windows of opportunity for jobless Scots

Published on Tuesday 30 January 2007 10:28

MICROSOFT boss Bill Gates and First Minister Jack McConnell today unveiled plans to help Scottish teenagers get jobs.

The two men were due to sign an agreement in Edinburgh to set up a Microsoft Scotland Volunteer Corps to tackle the problems of young people not in education, employment or training. The volunteers will help mobilise Microsoft's 1300 business partners in Scotland to increase support for teenagers through work placements, help for voluntary organisations and mentoring.

Mr Gates said: "We hope that by working with our business partners and the Scottish government, we can help young people gain the skills and experience they need to participate in the knowledge economy and help the Scottish economy realise its potential."

Mr McConnell said he hoped to pursue similar agreements with other companies in the future. He said: "Having an organisation with the global reputation of Microsoft working with us to tackle the challenges faced by some of our young people is tremendous. The Scottish government and Microsoft share the ambition of helping young people to realise their full potential."