A new report has highlighted that The Young Person’s Guarantee (YPG) has created more than 22,000 training opportunities for 16-24-year-olds since 2020.

The Young Person’s Guarantee was designed to help avoid a surge in youth unemployment following the COVID-19 pandemic. It aims to provide every 16–24-year-old in Scotland with an opportunity through jobs, apprenticeships, further or higher education, training, or volunteering.

Since its foundation two years ago, it has attracted support from 816 employers and generated more than 22,000 work or training opportunities for young people – the equivalent of more than 30 a day.

Many of the opportunities are specifically targeted at those from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Sandy Begbie CBE, chair of Developing the Young Workforce, and chief executive of Scottish Financial Enterprise, said: “The Young Person’s Guarantee has played a crucial role in helping to keep Scotland’s youth unemployment rate amongst the lowest in Europe over the last two years, creating more than 22,000 opportunities for 16-24-year-olds across Scotland.

“That means that more and more young people are getting the chance to develop key skills and make a valuable contribution to Scotland’s economy and society.

“To keep up the positive momentum, we must see a continued focus on young people from government and business.

“That means striving to be truly inclusive, increasing collaboration, and simplifying the processes for both young people and employers. The Young Person’s Guarantee received cross-party support and must continue to be a key priority moving forwards.”

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