BP and Microsoft in apprenticeship talks

Major businesses will gather to discuss the employability of young people today.

Firms including BP and Microsoft will meet Youth Employment Minister Angela Constance as the latest labour market statistics are published.

Other businesses taking part are drinks firm Diageo and car dealership Arnold Clark.

Ms Constance said: “Recent job figures have shown a movement in the right direction as we support more young people into employment, but there is no room for complacency.

Opportunities

“Opportunities for All, our unique offer of a guarantee of a place in training or education or training for all 16 to 19-year-olds is live and we are committed to 25,000 modern apprenticeship opportunities every year.

“It is vitally important that we remain engaged with Scotland’s largest employers as we continue to help young people into jobs, and today’s meeting will be an important opportunity to share information and discuss what’s working well.

“Throughout 2013 I am asking employers in Scotland, large or small, to make young people their business and sitting down with such an influential group will be a key part of making this happen.”

Development

The gathering was organised by the Scottish Council for Development and Industry and will take place at Standard Life headquarters in Edinburgh.

Last month’s labour statistics suggest overall unemployment in Scotland fell for the third month in a row, with 13,000 fewer people out of work. There was also the biggest fall in youth unemployment since 2006, with 28,000 fewer 16 to 24-year-olds out of work over the last year.