WIREDGOV

New research shows young people are ready for work.

Employers are reaping the benefits of young people’s improving readiness for work, Minister for Youth Employment Angela Constance said yesterday.

Ms Constance was speaking at a visit to the four-star Macdonald Inchyra Hotel and Spa in Polmont, near Falkirk, to learn more about the hotel’s work to employ young people.

Her visit follows the recent publication of a report by the UK Commission for Employment and Skills (UKCES) which found young people in Scotland are the best prepared for work in the UK, based on feedback from employers.

Ms Constance took the opportunity today to learn how Macdonald Hotels are working with Falkirk Council and training provider Positive Qualities to give young people training and skills across hotel functions at the Inchyra.

The Minister also met four apprentices who are working in the kitchen, housekeeping, health and beauty and sport and leisure. The hotel has 141 employees, with 50 per cent of the workforce aged between 16 and 24.

Ms Constance said:

“The prospects for youth employment in Scotland are bright. As the recent UKCES report concluded, the majority of employers who had recruited someone directly from a Scottish school, college or university thought that they were well prepared or very well prepared for work.

“Sectors such as hospitality offer good career paths for young people and I am pleased to see employers like Macdonald Hotels, here at the Inchyra Hotel and Spa, recognising the value young people bring to the workplace. This commitment to giving young people access to quality, accredited training and jobs is helping young people realise their potential and make their mark in the workplace.

“This follows considerable efforts by the Scottish Government and its public, private and third sector partners to support young people into employment and other positive destinations. Our efforts so far have included a guaranteed offer of a place in education or training for every 16-19 year old, establishing the Youth Employment Scotland Fund, funding 25,000 Modern Apprenticeships each year and £29 million to create thousands of jobs in the third sector over three years.

“Scotland’s young people are an important part of our dynamic workforce and are keen to take advantage of the opportunities that are available. With continued assistance from businesses we will do all we can to provide these opportunities. To that end I would urge more employers in Scotland to make young people their business.”

Brett Ingle, General Manager, Macdonald Inchyra Hotel and Spa, said:

“The development of our team and continued training is an integral part of the culture and commitment to excellence at Macdonald Hotels and Resorts, 2013-2014 AA Hotel Group of the Year.

“In addition to the group’s internal Stairways to Success development programme, at Macdonald Inchyra Hotel and Spa we are also proud to work in partnership with Positive Qualities and Falkirk Council to be able to give enthusiastic young school leavers and the longer term unemployed real opportunities to gain invaluable practical skills and personal development.

“As Ms Constance saw this morning, we are very proud to be able to give youngsters the opportunity to develop their self-confidence and skills as they aspire to develop a rewarding career in the hospitality industry.”

Notes to editors

More information on the UK Commission for Employment’s recent survey can be found at:

http://news.scotland.gov.uk/News/Scottish-firms-best-in-UK-for-training-8cb.aspx

More information on the Youth Employment Scotland Fund can be found at:

http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2013/06/employment12062013