Business chiefs in Moray have formed a task force to get more young people ready for “the world of work”.
The Developing the Young Workforce (DYW) group for Moray will strengthen links between educators and employers in an attempt to boost work placement and apprenticeship opportunities.
Nine DYW groups have been set up in Scotland so far, including in the north-east and north Highland, and there are plans for the creation of another 12.
The formation of the Scottish-Government-funded groups was a recommendation of a commission led by Sir Ian Wood, which published its final report in summer 2014.
The report found that schools were not equipping young people with the right skills, but that many businesses were not engaging with education providers to help fix the problem.
Sarah Medcraf – chief executive of Moray Chamber of Commerce, which will host the DYW group – said she believed the task force would make a big contribution to the area’s economy.
Ms Medcraf, who is a director of DYW Moray, said: “Led by local employers and shaped by regional needs, this initiative will provide a new way of resolving the issues of skills gaps.
“We will focus on working with employers and education providers to ensure that school and college leavers are better prepared for the world of work.
“We need to ensure that education focuses on employment and progression in learning, that Modern Apprenticeships are focused on industry needs, and that more employers are engaging with education and recruiting young people.”
Willie Wood, HR director at Johnstons of Elgin, has been appointed chairman of the new DYW regional group for Moray, which will run for at least three years.
Johnstons, which employs more than 700 staff members at its mill in Elgin, has a strong track record of supporting youth employment.
It has scores of past and existing apprentices on its books and last year backed the Press and Journal’s Apprentice 100 campaign by agreeing to take on two extra trainees.
Mr Wood said: “As chair of the Moray DYW group I am delighted that funding has been approved. As a group we will be actively pushing initiatives so industry and education can together develop the young workforce of Moray for the future.”
Other business that have pledged to support DYW Moray’s work include Walkers Shortbread, Robertson Homes, Associated Seafoods, Johnston Carmichael and Fochabers Fish Bar.
Youth and Women’s Employment Minister Annabelle Ewing said employers in Moray would be challenged to recruit their fair share of youngsters.
Ms Ewing said: “While there is a considerable amount of good work happening in the area, I share the group’s recognition that much more can be done to support young women and men towards sustainable and rewarding jobs.
“Recent statistics demonstrate a clear and sustained improvement in the youth labour market with youth employment reaching its highest September-November figure since 2005.
“We are not complacent and want to maintain progress and we know employers will play a key role in the delivery of the aims of Scotland’s Youth Employment Strategy – a 40% reduction in youth unemployment by 2021.”