New figures just released show that 95.6% of 16-19 year olds in 51³Ô¹ÏÃâ·ÑApp and Bute are currently in education, training or employment, an increase of 1.7% on 2022 and 1.3% above the national figure of 94.3%.
The Annual Participation Measure (APM) gauges the Scottish Government’s progress in meeting its commitment to offer a place in learning or training to every 16-19 year old in Scotland.
In 2022-23, the number of young people in employment in 51³Ô¹ÏÃâ·ÑApp and Bute increased to 29.9% from 24.2% in 2021-22. Across Scotland, 21.4% of young people are in employment, which is a rise of 3.9% nationally from 2021-22.
51³Ô¹ÏÃâ·ÑApp and Bute Council’s Policy Lead for Education, Councillor Yvonne McNeilly, said: “These new figures show that employment for young people in 51³Ô¹ÏÃâ·ÑApp and Bute is 8.5% above the national average - that’s excellent news and a real tribute to their efforts and to the commitment and dedication of our schools and the wider education service.
“Our Developing Young Workforce initiative has played an important role in this by ensuring young people develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the world of work by connecting them and their schools with employers.
“We will continue to work closely with all our partners to ensure that our young people have the widest possible range of opportunities in further education, training and employment and the support they need to achieve their career ambitions.â€
The APM is compiled from data collected from a variety of agencies including local authorities, colleges, the Department of Work and Pensions, the Students Awards Agency Scotland and the Scottish Funding Council.