Less than 2% of apprenticeship starts from minority groups

The report, to be published later today, is expected to recommend ways in which access to work and training opportunities can be improved for people from BME backgrounds and also for people with a disability. 

The report from the Commission for Developing Scotland’s Young Workforce, will also highlight the fact that just 63 apprenticeship starts out of 25,691 in 2012/13 were taken up by people with a declared disability.

Angela Constance, cabinet secretary for training, youth and women’s employment, said: ‘We have ambitions to see significant improvements in our youth employment numbers which will have benefits for the wider economy with more young people in jobs.

‘A substantial amount of help is already in place, including programmes specifically aimed at helping care leavers and young people from black and minority ethnic backgrounds towards employment. We have known for some time, however, that for some real barriers to engaging in training or getting a job remain, and it is absolutely vital that these be addressed. That’s why I asked the commission to specifically look at what more we can do to ensure access to opportunities for everyone. 

‘The commission’s report will highlight the issues that need to be tackled and make recommendations for the way forward. I look forward to receiving it and will respond in due course.’