New subjects at Inverclyde schools to aid jobs

The Scottish Government has awarded Inverclyde Council £77,522 from a new fund to tackle youth unemployment.

Education bosses will use the cash to explore ways of changing the school curriculum to better suit the needs of school leavers.

This will include strengthening links between schools, colleges and employers.

Councillor Terry Loughran, inset, convener of the education and communities committee, said: “We already run a range of programmes such as The Recruit and modern apprenticeships to give young people a step-up towards employment, but this funding will allow us to explore changing the senior phase of our school curriculum to provide more vocational and practical options.” Inverclyde Council has welcomed the funding package, which is designed to help young people prepare for leaving school and find work.

Cllr Loughran added: “The world of education is very different from the world of work, so it is important our young people are given the opportunity to learn what is required and what to expect. “ The new initiative comes at a time when youth unemployment is falling in Inverclyde — the council has one of the best records in the country for securing positive destinations for all school leavers.

Over the past 10 years the number of young people in Inverclyde classed as a not in employment, education or training has reduced.

The Scottish Government cabinet secretary for fair work, skills and training, Roseanna Cunningham, said: “We have already funded Skills Development Scotland to provide more modern apprenticeships and enhanced careers advice but we need to keep up the momentum.

“Local government has a key role to play in preparing young women and men for employment and is already taking forward a range of activity to help them fulfil their potential.

“This additional funding will allow Inverclyde Council to offer even more support to their young people and further boost Scotland’s economic growth.”