Young people: training and employment
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Helping care leavers
One-off payment to reduce financial barriers.
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Scotland's Artificial Intelligence strategy 2026-2031
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping economies, industries and public services around the world. This is our five-year strategy to harness the potential of AI to drive responsible and inclusive growth across our economy and make a positive difference at every level of society.
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UEFA EURO 2028 Social Impact Programme for Scotland: child rights and wellbeing impact assessment - Easy Read version
Easy read version of the children's rights and wellbeing impact assessment (CRWIA) to identify an impact and legacy programme and wider positive impact activities aligned to EURO 2028 to be delivered in Scotland.
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Procurement People of Tomorrow: Higher and Further Education Pack
This procurement Higher and Further Education Pack is a useful introductory tool for graduates with an interest in entering the procurement profession.
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National Islands Plan Annual Report 2025
The Islands (Scotland) Act 2018 requires that a report is presented to Parliament each year setting out the progress made towards delivery of the National Islands Plan. This report sets out progress made during the 2025 reporting year.
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Scotland's first Center Parcs to create 1,200 jobs
New holiday resort in the Scottish Borders.
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Scotland's Fourth Land Use Strategy: child rights and wellbeing impact assessment
Child rights and wellbeing impact assessment for Scotland's Fourth Land Use Strategy.
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Funding apprenticeships
Review to examine how best to meet the needs of the future economy.
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Agricultural Wages in Scotland Thirtieth Edition: A Guide for Workers and Employers
The Agricultural Wages Order and guidance for workers and employers details the minimum hourly rates of pay and other terms and conditions for agricultural workers in Scotland.
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Accelerating growth in Grangemouth
£10 million investment to support the creation of new jobs and skills development.
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Transforming lives with apprenticeships
Equipping people with skills for the industries of the future.
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School leaver attainment and destinations
An Accredited Official Statistics publication for Scotland.
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National Islands Plan
Targeted action to support Scotland’s islands.
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Commissioner for Fair Access: annual report 2025/26
In the seventh annual report from the Commissioner for Fair Access - and second from the current Commissioner - the Commissioner celebrates the work done so far to make access to higher education fairer, noting that it is now time to pivot and introduce a new phase of work.
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Delivering on social care
Investment creating jobs and providing for communities.
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No One Left Behind: strategic plan - first annual report
This first annual report on the Employability Strategic Plan 2024-2027 demonstrates how we are working in partnership, harnessing the expertise of organisations taking a cross sectoral, collaborative approach to delivering improvements to Scotland’s employability services.
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Minimum Income Guarantee report: SG response
Scottish Government response to the independent Minimum Income Guarantee Expert Group's final report 'A Minimum Income Guarantee: a Roadmap to dignity for all'.
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Digital strategy for Scotland: vision statement
This strategic vision sets out our ambition to build a nation where digital connects our people to opportunities, creates economic growth and delivers improved public services. It contributes to public service reform and is a collaboration between the Scottish Government and local government.
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Supporting young people onto the right path
£150,000 to fund grassroots youth services.
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Helping people stay in employment
Pilot projects launched.
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Funding Boost for Social Care Training
Grants Now Open to Support Voluntary Sector Workforce Development
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Pilot to support oil and gas workers in the North East
Oil and Gas Transition Training Fund launched.
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Boosting Scotland’s maritime sector
More than £9 million to create 300 jobs.
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Next generation farming
Support for young people into agricultural careers.
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Agricultural wages in Scotland: guide for workers and employers - twenty ninth edition
The Agricultural Wages Order and guidance for workers and employers details the minimum hourly rates of pay and other terms and conditions for agricultural workers in Scotland.
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National Planning Skills Commitment Plan
Focus on skills and recruitment.
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Rural Scotland - trajectories of young people and young adults: report
A report by the Scottish Government's Expert Advisory Group on Migration and Population exploring the migration and mobility of young persons and young adults in rural Scotland.
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Apprenticeship funding
Funding for 25,500 new Modern Apprentices, 2,500 Foundation Apprentices.
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Reforming the skills system
Tertiary Education and Training Bill published.
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'Moving On' from care into adulthood: consultation analysis
An analysis of views shared in the recent consultation on the support available to young people as they leave care and enter adulthood.
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The Promise Story of Progress: How is Scotland doing in its progress towards keeping the promise?
A national report co-authored by COSLA, The Scottish Government and The Promise Scotland, presenting the shared approach to understanding progress towards keeping The Promise.
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Helping disabled people into work
Support to be rolled out across Scotland
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Community Learning and Development in Scotland and internationally: literature review
This literature review documents research on Community Learning and Development (CLD) delivered within Scotland and internationally. The review forms part of the evidence base collected as part of the Independent Review of CLD, led by Kate Still.
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Community Learning and Development (CLD) - Statistics Brief
This statistics brief presents data relevant to CLD in Scotland. While the Scottish Government does not collect or publish data on participation in, and the impact of, CLD, several sources provide information on the communities CLD is trying to reach.
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Learning: For All. For Life. A report from the Independent Review of Community Learning and Development (CLD)
This is the Report of the Independent Review of Community Learning and Development (CLD), which was led by Kate Still. The Independent Review began in December 2023 and was commissioned by the Minister for Higher and Further Education; and Veterans.
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Learning: For All. For Life. A report from the Independent Review of Community Learning and Development (CLD) – Learners Summary
This is a Learners Summary of the Report of the Independent Review of Community Learning and Development (CLD). The review was led by Kate Still. It began in December 2023 and was commissioned by the Minister for Higher and Further Education; and Veterans.
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Community Learning and Development in Scotland and internationally: literature review - plain language summary
A plain language summary of the literature review which documents research on Community Learning and Development (CLD) delivered within Scotland and internationally. The review forms part of the evidence base collected as part of the Independent Review of CLD, led by Kate Still.
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'Moving on' from care into adulthood: consultation
This consultation invites views on the support available to young people as they leave care and enter adulthood.
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Making sure that young people have the right support when they leave care: consultation - easy read
This easy read version of the consultation asks for views on the support available to young people as they leave care and become adults.
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National Transitions to Adulthood Strategy - statement of intent: engagement summary - easy read
Easy read summary report on analysis of feedback received on the National Transitions to Adulthood Strategy: statement of intent.
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National Transitions to Adulthood Strategy - statement of intent: engagement analysis summary
This is the summary report on analysis on feedback received on the National Transitions to Adulthood Strategy: statement of intent.
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National Transitions to Adulthood Strategy - statement of intent: engagement analysis
Full report on analysis of feedback received on the National Transitions to Adulthood Strategy: statement of intent.
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Job Start Payment: Service Level Agreement between The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions and Scottish Ministers
Service Level Agreement between the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions and Scottish Ministers in respect of Job Start Payment.
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Land-based Learning Review report: SG response
The Scottish Government response to the Independent Commission for the Land-Based Learning Review that reported to Ministers with 22 recommendations to attract and equip more people, particularly women and young people, with the skills and knowledge needed to work in land-based and aquaculture sectors.
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Community Learning and Development: Guidance for 2024-2027
This guidance document outlines the national policy context for community learning and development (CLD) that education authorities should be aware of in complying with the Requirements for Community Learning and Development (Scotland) Regulations 2013 during the period of 2024 - 2027.
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Building a New Scotland: Education and lifelong learning in an independent Scotland
This paper sets out the Scottish Government's vision for Education and Lifelong Learning in an independent Scotland.
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Building a New Scotland: education and lifelong learning in Scotland - easy read
Easy read version of the Scottish Government's vision for education and lifelong learning in an independent Scotland.
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Disclosure (Scotland) Act 2020 - accredited body fees and discounting proposals: children's rights and wellbeing impact assessment
Draft children's rights and wellbeing impact assessment in relation to Disclosure Scotland’s consultation on accredited body fees and proposals for discounting under the PVG scheme.
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Disclosure (Scotland) Act 2020 - accredited body fees and proposals for discounting: PVG scheme consultation
This consultation seeks views to enable Disclosure Scotland to consider fee discounts for certain groups applying for Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) scheme membership disclosures and views on the fees applied to organisations acting as accredited bodies. The consultation closes on 28 May 2024.
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Summary statistics for attainment and initial leaver destinations, no. 6: 2024 edition
This statistical publication provides information on the educational attainment and initial destinations of 2022-23 school leavers from publicly funded schools in Scotland.
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Teacher qualification in further education - draft guidance and general determination: consultation
We are seeking views on the proposed guidance document and general determination for the further education teaching programme.
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Education: National Improvement Framework and improvement plan 2024
Sets out the vision and priorities for Scottish education that have been agreed across the system, and the national improvement activity that needs to be undertaken to help deliver those key priorities.
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No One Left Behind and the Young Person's Guarantee: implementation evaluation
The evaluation explores how effectively No One Left Behind and the Young Person’s Guarantee had been implemented, the experiences of service providers and service users, and lessons from early delivery. The evaluation took place between May and December 2022.
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Connecting Scotland phase 3 - digital support for employability: evaluation
A report based on primary research with people receiving digital support in phase 3 of the Connecting Scotland programme. Support provided in this phase aimed to improve participants' employability.
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Post-school education, research and skills - purpose and principles
The Purpose and Principles, Initial Priorities and supporting documents set out the framework for decision making for post-school education, skills and research to ensure the system is fit for the future, delivering the best outcomes for learners, employers and the public investment we make.
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Entrepreneurial Campus: summary
Summary of The Entrepreneurial Campus: The higher education sector as a driving force for the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
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Entrepreneurial Campus: report
Blueprint report titled "The Entrepreneurial Campus: The higher education sector as a driving force for the entrepreneurial ecosystem" for Scotland’s post-16 education institutions presented by Ross Tuffee and Professor Joe Little. This report sets out a number of thematic actions over a 10 year strategy to collaboratively support our National Strategy for Economic Transformation.
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Learning for sustainability: action plan 2023 to 2030 - Gaelic translation
Scotland's learning for sustainability action plan 2023 to 2030 "Target 2030: A movement for people, planet and prosperity " aims to build an inspiring movement for change so every 3 to 18 place of education becomes a sustainable learning setting by 2030.
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Learning for sustainability: action plan 2023 to 2030
Scotland's learning for sustainability action plan 2023 to 2030 "Target 2030: A movement for people, planet and prosperity " aims to build an inspiring movement for change so every 3 to 18 place of education becomes a sustainable learning setting by 2030.
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Just transition for the built environment and construction sector: a discussion paper
This discussion paper is intended to support engagement on a just transition for the built environment and construction sector. Building on this engagement, a draft targeted action plan and route map (late 23/24) will outline the key steps to delivering a fair transition for the sector.
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Just transition in land use and agriculture: a discussion paper
This discussion paper is intended to support engagement on a just transition for the land use and agriculture sectors. Building on this engagement, a draft targeted action plan and route map (late 23/24) will outline the key steps to delivering a fair transition.
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Buidheann-obrach Gheàrr-bheatha air Cothroman Eaconamach is Sòisealta don Ghàidhlig: Aithisg do Rùnaire a' Chaibineit airson Ionmhas is na h-Eaconamaidh
Aithisg air molaidhean na Buidhne-obrach Gheàrr-bheatha air Cothroman Eaconamach is Sòisealta don Ghàidhlig.
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Short Life Working Group on Economic and Social Opportunities for Gaelic: report
A report to the Cabinet Secretary for Finance and the Economy containing the recommendations of the Short Life Working Group on Economic and Social Opportunities for Gaelic.
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Fit for the Future: developing a post-school learning system to fuel economic transformation
Report of Independent Review of the Skills Delivery Landscape provided to Scottish Ministers by James Withers. The Review considered skills functions and remits of Scotland's national public bodies, making 15 recommendations for future adaptations to support the National Strategy for Economic Transformation.
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Skills review published
Setting out case for transformational change.
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Scottish Languages Bill (Gaelic) - Gaelic and Scots commitments: consultation analysis
'S e an sgrìobhann seo mìneachadh bho thaobh muigh an Riaghaltais den cho-chomhairleachadh a chaidh a chumail air Gàidhlig, Albais is Bile nan Cànan Albannach.
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Scottish Languages Bill (Scots version) - Gaelic and Scots commitments: consultation analysis
External analysis o responses submittit tae the Scots Government's consultation on Gaelic, Scots and a Scots Languages Bill.
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Pupil Equity Funding: national operational guidance 2023
Guidance to help schools plan how they will most effectively spend their Pupil Equity Funding (PEF) allocation.
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Strategic Equity Funding: national operational guidance 2023
Guidance to support local authorities plan how they will most effectively spend their Strategic Equity funding.
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Tha Gach Neach-ionnsachaidh ann an Alba Cudromach: Ar Deasbad Nàiseanta Geàrr-aithisg
Deasbad Nàiseanta air Foghlam – geàrr-aithisg
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All Learners in Scotland Matter - national discussion on education: final report
Final report of the National Discussion on Education.
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All Learners in Scotland Matter - national discussion on education: summary report
A summary of the final report of the National Discussion on Education.
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Fair Work First: guidance - March 2023
Update November 2024: this guidance has been updated, including to clarify evidence requirements for demonstrating compliance with the real Living Wage and effective voice grant conditions, and offering a more streamlined evidence gathering process. The updated guidance is at https://www.gov.scot/publications/fair-work-first-guidance-3/
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Minimum Income Guarantee Expert Group: interim report - easy read
Easy read version of an interim report outlines the group’s work so far and provides a summary of possible steps towards a Minimum Income Guarantee.
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Minimum Income Guarantee Expert Group: interim report
This interim report provides an outline of the group’s work to date towards defining a Minimum Income Guarantee, the context in which the policy is being developed, provide a high-level overview of direction and early thinking towards potential actions.
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Young Person's Guarantee: update report March 2023
The report highlights progress over the 2 years of the Young Person’s Guarantee and also sets out the direction of travel going forward.
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Scotland leads on the Real Living Wage
A Fair Work approach to the cost of living crisis.
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Supporting Scotland’s next generation
Young Islanders Network launched.
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Young people urged to apply for Job Start Payment
Extra money for unemployed young people who are starting work
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Access to Higher Education
Record number of students from deprived areas at university.
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Removing barriers to employment
Supporting people into work.
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Supporting the retail sector
Encouraging fair work and improving skills.
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Investment in tackling child poverty
Supporting low income households.
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Apprenticeships key to supporting NHS
Delivering quality workforce.
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Young Scots work promise
£70 million investment in youth employment.
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Young people urged to apply for Job Start Payment
Social media campaign kicks-off for benefit to 16 - 24 year olds
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Supporting people to get online
Over £26 million to close the digital divide.
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Helping young people succeed
Supporting the future workforce.
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Employers back the Young Person’s Guarantee
Growing number pledge their support.
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93.3% of school leavers in positive destinations
Proportion of pupils in Higher or Further Education at record high.
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School leaver attainment and destinations
A National Statistics Publication for Scotland.
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Young people helped with costs of new job
695 helped in first four months of new scheme
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Prioritising jobs and skills
Driving Scotland’s economic recovery.
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Recruitment to support disability payments
Opportunities available in all local authority areas.
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Rebuilding the economy
Investing in jobs and skills.
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Helping vulnerable young people through COVID-19
Almost £1 million to support people into work.
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EU funding threat for Scottish youth work
Doubt over the future of Erasmus+ casts shadow over sector.
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CashBack for Communities
More than 100,000 young people supported by scheme.
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£25 million apprenticeship support
Creating opportunities for every young person in Scotland.
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New ways of working
Upskilling and reskilling opportunities for employees.
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Growing the Young Person’s Guarantee
First organisations sign up.
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£24bn infrastructure plan will boost jobs
Benefits to reach every corner of Scotland.
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Labour Market Statistics for young people (16 to 24 years): Scotland
A statistics publication for Scotland.
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Impact of furlough
Extension of scheme could save thousands of jobs.
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Boost for Scottish youth work
New fund to help education recovery from COVID-19.
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Delivering the Youth Guarantee
Giving every young person the chance to succeed.
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Higher Education Student Support for Scotland 2019-2020
A National Statistics Publication for Scotland.
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New benefit for young people starting work
Financial help with the cost of a new job
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Supporting National Trust for Scotland jobs
Financial aid package agreed.
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Investing in our future workforce
£10 million for apprenticeships.
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Rebuilding better
Actions for economic recovery from COVID-19.
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£100 million for employment support and training
Focussing on support for youth jobs.
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Scottish Public Sector Employment
A National Statistics Publication for Scotland.
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School leaver destinations
Proportion of young people in work, training or further study remains high.
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School leaver follow-up destinations
A National Statistics Publication for Scotland.
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Scottish research facing twin threats of COVID and Brexit
Minister tells UK Government that urgent support needed within days.
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Supporting families through COVID-19
140,000 children and young people provided with free school meals.
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Employment, unemployment and inactivity for young people
A statistics publication for Scotland.
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School leaver attainment and destinations
A National Statistics Publication for Scotland.
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Better access to learning
Digital hubs launched across South of Scotland.
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New research to focus on estranged students
Government to work with leading charity on identifying key facts and issues.
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£19 million CashBack funding allocated
Youth projects share cash seized from criminals.
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Employment, Unemployment and Inactivity for young people (16-24 years): Scotland
A statistics publication for Scotland.
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Sending computers to Africa
Education initiatives benefit from used Scottish Government equipment.
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New jobs benefit to launch next Spring
Cash boost for unemployed young people.
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Record high for young people in positive destinations
Deprivation gap in school leavers at lowest ever.
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Collaborating to help close the attainment gap
Stronger connections between schools and youth work organisations
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Moray pupils engineer success
A96 dualling programme hailed by pupils and teachers
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Scottish Apprenticeship Week
Nationwide apprentice network to inspire next generation.
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Supporting graduates
Over 1,300 Graduate Apprenticeship places for 2019/20.
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Employers encouraged to put ‘Fair Work First’
Support to make workplaces fairer.
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Record high for school leavers in positive destinations
Deprivation gap in positive destinations falls by half.
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A meal for every child at funded early learning and childcare sessions
Major new Scottish Government scheme delivers healthy food, outdoor play & living wage in childcare.
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Investing in entrepreneurship
£650,000 funding to support the next generation of entrepreneurs.
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Youth Participation at record high
91.8% 16-19 year olds in education, training or work.
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Employment at historic level
Progress made in tackling the gender gap and youth employment.
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Employment level and rate (16+) in Scotland increased to the highest level on record
An Official Statistics Publication for Scotland
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Personalised online careers support for all pupils
Recommendations of Learner Journey Review published.
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Fund benefits one million
Children and family organisations to benefit from extension.
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Strengthening cyber resilience
New action plan puts cyber-skills at the heart of learning and development.
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Initial Destinations of Senior Phase School Leavers
An Official Statistics Publication for Scotland.
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£3 million for language learning
School funding to strengthen skills.
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Early years apprentices
Increases to fuel roll-out of funded childcare.
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£14 million for young people and communities
More than 100 organisations to benefit from funding.
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Scotland’s Budget
Investing in the NHS, protecting low earners, backing Scotland’s economy.
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Youth employment target met four years ahead of schedule
Pledge to step up efforts to build on progress.