Glasgow Takes a Lead on Covid Recovery for Scotland's Young Workforce

Published: 28 July 2021

Glasgow has become the first local authority to commit to creating opportunities for its young citizens via a national employment and training guarantee.

Glasgow - Scotland's largest local authority - has signed up to the Scottish Government's Young Person's Guarantee. This aims to give all young people aged 16 to 24 the chance to succeed despite the economic impacts of COVID-19, whilst ensuring employers continue to benefit from the fresh talent and new perspectives that young people bring to the workplace. 

The creation of the Young Person's Guarantee acknowledges the difficulties and challenges of the past year, especially for young people entering the workforce - and is intended to provide practical help and also reassurance that opportunities and support are still available.

By signing up as an employer, Glasgow City Council is continuing a long-standing commitment to providing young people with the necessary and relevant skills for the world of work.

The aim of the Young Person's Guarantee is to create the opportunity of work, education or training giving young people the best prospects of success. This further consolidates the council's proactive approach to tackling unemployment following the launch of the Glasgow Guarantee in 2009.

Council Leader Susan Aitken announced Glasgow's involvement today. She said: "The Young Person's Guarantee is a fantastic opportunity for young Glaswegians to get the support they need to propel themselves into the workplace.

"I am delighted Glasgow is the first local authority to sign up to the Young Person's Guarantee as a large local employer. We are taking positive action to break down barriers to employment for our young citizens - which has never been more important than in these incredibly challenging times. I hope this encourages other Glasgow businesses to do the same.

"The Young Person's Guarantee is our pledge of support to the young people of Glasgow, who are the heart and the future of our city."

The council will continue its efforts which are already underway to engage and provide opportunities to those who face the biggest obstacles into employment as part of its effort to cultivate the skilled future workforce the city needs.

That means investing in work-based learning and upskilling opportunities; creating jobs and opportunities for 16-24 year olds and establishing a fair and inclusive working environment which enables young people to reach their full potential.

During a visit to Glasgow's Young Movers project, which offers volunteering placements as part of the Young Person's Guarantee, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: "We know that young people have been badly affected by the pandemic and we are determined to do everything we can to support them. The Young Person's Guarantee is a vital part of that support which aims to give all young people the chance to succeed despite the economic impacts of COVID-19."

In supporting the Young Person's Guarantee, the council will deliver equal opportunities for all eligible young people so that no-one is left behind; something which the council already accommodates by offering a wide variety of options whether that be an apprenticeship, its graduate development programme or work experience.

The City of Glasgow College and the Glasgow Chamber of Commerce have also backed the Young Person's Guarantee, demonstrating the city's collective commitment to upskilling and developing its young workforce for the future.

Click here for more information on the Young Persons Guarantee.