New agreement to help young people in greatest need
Helping Scotland’s most disadvantaged young people achieve a positive future is the aim of a new partnership.
Skills Development Scotland (SDS) and MCR Pathways have signed a joint working agreement aimed at improving the outcomes for young people facing disadvantage in school and when transitioning from school into new pathways.
The partnership aims to optimise the services of both organisations to help disadvantaged young people such as young care experienced, young people on the edges of care (at risk), young carers, young asylum seekers and those who have suffered significant family bereavement or disruption at home.
The agreement will build on the strengths of national, regional and local community services and collaboratives to tackle, reduce and eradicate the positive destination gap faced by care experienced and disadvantaged young people.
Personalised support to build vital skills
The agreement was signed at an event with MCR Pathways customers.
MCR Pathways Chair, Nick Walters (pictured below, right) said: “MCR Pathways are thrilled to be partnering with Skills Development Scotland to ensure care experienced and those at-risk young people in school and leaving school can access personalised support, guidance and information to help them grow the skills they need to discover unlimited possibilities in their future careers.”
MCR Pathways’ aim is to help young people unlock their potential, no matter their circumstances. Working together with an inspiring mentor community and partners, it helps young people to realise their skills and progress onto a positive destination. Its vision is for all young people to experience equality of education outcomes, career opportunities and life chances.
Skills for a rapidly changing world of work
SDS Chair, Frank Mitchell (pictured, left) said: “Skills Development Scotland supports young people across the country in schools, our centres, in community venues, online through My World of Work, and through the provision and promotion of Scottish Apprenticeships. We work with partners to provide services that deliver the best outcomes for Scotland’s people, businesses and the economy.
We are delighted to be working closely with MCR Partnerships. They have a strong service offer and together we can make a real contribution to helping young people in greatest need.”
Grahame Smith, Chair of the Career Services Collaborative, also attended, adding: “I warmly welcome this agreement. It is perfect example of the strong partnership working that the Career Services Collaborative was created to encourage and support.
It will help to better support people to develop the skills they need for the rapidly changing world of work and contribute to ensuring career services are designed and available to all through actively addressing disadvantage based on a shared understanding of the reasons for persistent and pervasive inequality.
“I look forward to seeing the fruits of this partnership in helping young people to overcome such barriers.”
