School leavers positive destinations

Thursday June 22nd 2017

Dalkeith High School Main

A total of 93% of young people in Midlothian were in a ‘positive destination’ such as a job or further education course nine months after leaving school in the 2015/16 academic year.

The figures, collated by the national skills body, Skills Development Scotland, show that in March 2017, 93% of school leavers in Midlothian had, for example, enrolled in college or training or secured another positive destination such as volunteering. This figure equals the achievement of last year and is 8% higher than the 2011/12 figure.

Nationally, 91.4% of school leavers are in a positive destination. Midlothian’s figure ranks the council as 10th out of 32 local authorities for sustained positive destinations, up three places on last year.

Councillor Jim Muirhead, Midlothian’s Cabinet Member for Education, said:

“Since 2012 I am delighted to say we have managed to sustain the numbers of young people maintaining their positive destination from leaving school.

“These sustained numbers are a result of the dedication of our staff who work with young people every day, ensuring they are aware of the different opportunities available and supporting them as they go on to make that next step.

“Our ambition remains to see all school leavers go onto a positive destination and we have numerous initiatives in place to support young people in Midlothian. For example, we recently held our first business schools breakfast where a number of business representatives and teachers attended a morning to share information on increasing employer engagement in schools.

“We have also supported over 100 young people to secure a positive destination by means of our learning pathways in child care, retail, college, employability, army, sport and leisure, music and rural skills. We will also look to introduce animal care and hospitality this year.”

Councillor Muirhead urged every young person who has left school but feels in need of extra support to get in touch.He said:

“You can either phone the council’s Lifelong Learning and Employability Service 0131 271 3923/3450 or get in touch with Skills Development Scotland on 0800 917 8000.”

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