Jobs summit aims to help young Scots living in rural locations

HELPING young Scots living in remote areas to get the experience they need to find a job is the main focus of a summit being held today to look at boosting employment opportunities in rural parts of the country.

The National Rural and Employment Skills Summit is being hosted by Argyll and Bute Council at Oban’s Corran halls.

Government ministers, employers and representatives of local authorities are among those discussing how best to help youngsters outside urban areas improve their skills and find work.

Youth employment minister Angela Constance said: “We have guaranteed every 16-19 year-old a place in training or education and will deliver at least 25,000 modern apprenticeships in every year of this Parliament. However, we know that there can be particular challenges in opening up these kinds of opportunities in rural areas.

“This meeting will bring together many of the key voices together for what I fully expect to a be a valuable session.”

Rural affairs secretary Richard Lochhead added: “There are a vast range of possible careers available for young people in rural areas, from traditional vocations in agriculture and fishing, to burgeoning modern areas like aquaculture and energy.

“And of course there are skills required for jobs that aren’t exclusive to rural areas. Everyone should be given the chance to contribute to the rural economy, regardless of their vocation.

“Today is a significant coming together and I hope the outcomes from the summit help young people from Berwickshire to Benbecula improve their chances of finding a job and contributing to Scotland’s rural economy.”