Work experience scheme credited with boosting youth employment to be rolled out across country

The Scottish Government's Certificate of Work Readiness scheme focuses on the skills needed for youngsters to hold down a job in an increasingly competitive market.

A scheme that helps teenagers who are struggling to find jobs is to be rolled out across Scotland.

Businesses across the country are backing the ground-breaking work experience programme after the success of pilot projects.

Sixteen to 19-year-olds get almost 200 hours' work experience, focusing on the skills needed to hold down a job in an increasingly competitive market.

Youth Employment Minister Angela Constance will meet students who have been on a pilot of the Scottish Government’s Certificate of Work Readiness scheme in Fife at Cumbernauld College today.

Constance said: “The latest employment figures paint an improving picture for Scotland’s young people with more in work and less claiming unemployment.