The latest figures, from Skills Development Scotland, mark the highest since reports began in 2016.
An annual report indicates that during the period between April 2022 and March 2023, a remarkable 94.3% of young people aged 16 to 19 in Scotland were involved in some form of higher education or employment.
This percentage represents the highest rate ever recorded since the inception of The Annual Participation Measure (APM) in 2016.
The overall increase of 1.9% compared to the previous year is primarily attributed to the growth in the number of young adults employed, which rose from 17.5% in the previous year to 21.4% in 2023.
The disparity between individuals opting for education, employment, or training from the 20% most disadvantaged areas and the 20% least disadvantaged areas narrowed to 8.3%. This is a decrease of one percentage point from the preceding year and marks the smallest gap since the commencement of APM reports.
Furthermore, the proportion of those with an “unconfirmed status” decreased to 2.1%, in contrast to 3.6% in 2022, constituting the lowest reported percentage to date.
The Annual Participation Measure demonstrates that young people are making the most of the range of employment and learning opportunities open to them, with a record number now in positive destinations.
GRAEME
The effects of the Covid-19 pandemic have been tough on young people, however they have responded positively to the challenges and have demonstrated great flexibility, ingenuity and resilience.
We will continue to work with partners, including the third sector to ensure that every young person can access a positive post school destination.
These statistics are very encouraging and recognise all efforts with partners to ensure young people have the support they need to drive forward their future plans at this key stage in their career.
SKILLS DEVELOPMENT SCOTLAND
We’re able to gather this information thanks to the data sharing agreements we have in place with a range of partners which link up all the work going on across Scotland to help our young people find and sustain positive destinations.
The data also allows advisers to provide more effective, targeted support to those not in learning, training or employment and who are at risk of disengagement.
The Annual Participation Measure is used to inform policy, planning and service delivery across Scotland, and helps SDS and partners understand the impact and outcomes of their work.
