Youngsters step forward for new jobs

SCHOOL leavers in the Capital will be given a helping hand into the jobs' market under a new programme recently announced by Skills Minister Keith Brown.

Entitled Step Forward Scotland, the support package run by Skills Development Scotland will encourage prospective new employees into their nearest careers centre where staff assist them in taking the next step.

Patricia Thomson, area manager for Skills Development Scotland, said clear evidence suggested young people had been "impacted disproportionately" by the economic downturn.

"If you have left school and have no plans yet to start a job, a college course or training then we can help," she said.

The programme is flexible and can last up to 26 weeks. Some participants can even earn a training allowance of 55 per week during the course of their studies.