Skills Minister Angela Constance with Lorelle Lipsett

The Scottish Government today announced that it will provide work based opportunities for 85 young people across its organisation helping to prepare them for the world of work.

The head of the civil service in Scotland, Permanent Secretary Sir Peter Housden and Skills Minister Angela Constance were at the Scottish Government’s Glasgow office to meet the very first young person to be offered a Get Ready for Work placement with the organisation.

16 year-old Lorelle Lipsett from Glasgow will undertake a Get Ready for Work placement and learn crucial skills which will better prepare her for full-time employment.

The scheme will eventually provide work based opportunities for 85 young people across the organisation and will give prospects in the form of Modern Apprenticeships, Get Ready for Work placements, mentoring support and student placements.

Watch the video below:

Announcing the initiative Sir Peter Housden said:

“This initiative should not be looked upon as a ‘like to have’ or a ‘need to do’. I believe that this is a critical business issue for the Scottish Government. Our workforce is our single biggest asset. A diverse workforce should reflect the community that it serves. Opening up our organisation to a wider range of people will benefit our workforce development and will provide the organisation with ambition, energy and drive moving forward. I will be encouraging all public bodies to offer similar opportunities.”

Skills Minister Angela Constance said:

“Scotland has a higher employment rate and lower inactivity rate than the UK as a whole, a testament to the Scottish Government’s strong stance supporting jobs, skills and training.

“However, we cannot rest and that is why despite a Westminster cut of £1.3 billion, we are offering a range of support to employers and young people in the coming year, including a record 25,000 modern apprenticeships in the coming year.”

Read the full press release here.