New training scheme for 1,000 jobless young Scots

A thousand new training and volunteering places are to be made available to young unemployes Scots to help them gain valuable employment skills and work experience.

Scotland's best - backed by £2.4million from the Scottish Goverment's Legacy 2014 Young Person's fund - will see 1,000 jobless Scots aged 16-24, offered a place on a part-time employability programme. Many of the volunteering opportunities will be sporting and cultural events such as the World Pipe Band Championships, the Gymnastics World Cup and Celtic Connections.

First Minister Alex Salmond launched the programme during a Scottish Apprenticeship Week visit to the Glasgow Emirates Arena. Mr Salmond met construction apprentices involved in building the East-End venue and a number of sports-related modern apprentices now working in the community.

The First Minister said:

"Glasgow 2014 promises to be a fantastic sporting spectacle, but it will be much more than that. As well as the regenerative benefits to Scotland symbolised by this magnificent sporting venue, initiative such as our Legacy 2013 Young Person's Fund are offering lifelong work opportunities for the next generation, giving them the start they need to get going on a successful career."

The Scotland's Best programme, which will give participants a qualification at SCQF Level 4, will be administered by Skills Development Scotland and delivered by five training providers: Barnardos, Action for Children, The Princes Trust, Volunteer Development Scotland and Jobs and Business Glasgow.