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More Choices, More Chances
More Choices, More Chances is about increasing the number of young people in positive and sustained post school destinations. During economically challenging times, the impact on young people can be severe. Employers stop recruiting and young people who are looking to get on the first rung of the employment ladder find themselves competing with others who are more experienced and skilled. In short, young people - especially vulnerable young people who are furthest from the labour market - get pushed to the end of the queue. Those young people who experience frequent or prolonged spells of unemployment are likely to suffer lasting negative impacts throughout their lives. Many young people who find it difficult to engage in learning; some who disengage early; and some who leave school at the first opportunity. These young people are more likely to experience unemployment in later years, and face the risk of long-term worklessness. But, with the right support, many can take part and progress in learning, going on to enjoy good career prospects.
Encouragement from an employer can open a young person's eyes to what they are capable of achieving and increase their potential for long-term employment. You can help prepare them for work by developing their communication, thinking, team-working and employability skills. You can help young people to believe in themselves, to become motivated and more confident about their future. You can also help them by offering them a job, a Modern Apprenticeship or by providing them with invaluable work experience.
The five key approaches to More Choices, More Chances:
- Ensuring that Curriculum for Excellence provides opportunities that are tailored to individual need, with flexibility and appropriate support (as early as possible for every young person)
- Ensuring that every young person has an offer of post-16 learning and a clear pathway into it, with supported transitions and sustained opportunities
- Ensuring that learning is a financially viable option, by considering the financial support available to young people
- Ensuring that the right support is available to young people to find out about, engage with and sustain learning and employment
- Ensuring a joint commitment to action between central and local government, employers, learning providers and support agencies to develop the service