Alex Salmond: Giving hope to young people is a priority

Alex Salmond told a summit on youth employment that that there was “absolutely nothing more important” to give youngsters “life chances.”

Mr Salmond made the remarks as he opened a session of the National Economic Forum in Edinburgh, adding that youth employment is increasing from an already high level, with the rate of joblessness standing at about 24 per cent among 16-24 year olds. However, he said 35% of them are in full-time education.

While they might be looking for part-time work, he added: “That’s not the same as a lost generation.”

Mr Salmond said: “There is absolutely nothing more important than giving hope and opportunity and life chances to the young people of Scotland. If we dedicate ourselves to that task, then there will be something special emerging from this forum which will matter an enormous amount.”

The First Minister met some young people involved in training programmes or who are on the Scottish Government’s modern apprenticeship scheme.

Kerrie Milligan, 21, from Glasgow, became an apprentice with Scottish Water. She attended the conference and said finding a job is becoming hard for many of her friends.

She said: “When I was at school I found it easy to get a part-time job. But after college it was very tough to get into a career. A lot of my friends say they’re struggling to get interviews.”

She said the apprenticeship programme has been helpful, adding: “I’ve been able to get qualifications in areas I wouldn’t have been able to get otherwise.”

Robin Parker, of the National Union of Students, called for more funding for colleges in light of a reduction of about £11 million for student support.

He said: “There’s £11 million less to spend next year keeping college students in education. I think it’s really important that £11 million continues.”

Other concerns raised at the event included confusion over the number of government schemes, at both Scottish and UK level, and “barriers” that are said to be make it hard for small businesses to take on young people.

Youth Employment Minister Angela Constance, who also spoke at the conference, said: “Engaging with young people directly is crucial to tackling the difficulties they face in finding employment and training opportunities.”

Scottish Labour leader Johann Lamont said the SNP administration should focus on the powers it has at Holyrood, rather than highlight limitations.

Labour youth employment spokeswoman Kezia Dugdale MSP said: “Scotland is in the grips of a national youth unemployment crisis and with no less than eight government ministers in attendance it is clear the SNP Government are keen to show they are taking this problem seriously.

“Unfortunately, warm words don’t create jobs. The SNP must now walk the walk, as their efforts will ultimately be judged by Scotland’s young people on whether it delivers the jobs and opportunities they so desperately need.

“Our colleges play a key role in skilling-up our young people so they are ready to work. The SNP Government must accept that its 20% cuts to Scotland’s colleges are counter-intuitive to efforts to tackle youth unemployment.”