Nearly £360,000 of funding has been awarded to Aberdeenshire Council to get young people into work.
The Scottish Government has announced it will be spending £5.8million total to tackle youth unemployment across Scotland by 40% by 2021.
Aberdeenshire Council now stands to receive £357,186 which it will use to strengthen links between schools, colleges and employers.
The money will also develop work-based learning and career pathways for all young people, and support vulnerable people into employment.
Last night, Secretary for Fair Work, Skills and Training Roseanna Cunningham said the money will allow the local authority to “offer even more”.
“Last month’s figures showed that youth employment was at 363,000, the highest figure recorded since the same period 10 years ago,” she added.
“We have already funded Skills Development Scotland to provide more Modern Apprenticeships and enhanced careers advice but we need to keep up momentum. Local government has a key role to play in preparing young women and men for employment and is already taking forward a range of activity to help them fulfil their potential.”
The money has been welcomed by the local authority.
Councillor Alison Evison, chairwoman of the council’s education, learning and leisure committee, said: “Apprenticeships, STEM opportunities, work experience and tackling inequalities are just some our priorities and although there have been many successes, we’re keen to build even stronger approaches to support youth employment.
“I’m very pleased that funding is available to local authorities to support this important area of work and I look forward to seeing how the council uses it to continue to improve access to opportunities.”