SBC Closes the Gap for over 3600 Pupils

It is estimated that there will be 500,000 job opportunities in Scotland by the end of 2008 but 1 in 7 teenagers will fall into the NEET (Not in Employment, Education or Training) category. A Glasgow based initiative run by Scottish Business in the Community (SBC) aims to close this gap.

Closing the Gap is an innovative programme bringing businesses and schools together to raise the employability of young people in the most disadvantaged parts of Glasgow and reduce the number leaving school to ‘no positive destination’.

And the impact is clear. Published last week, the programme’s end of year results showed that Closing the Gap exceeded its annual targets by almost 100% throughout school year 2006/2007.

Through a variety of employer-led activities such as work placements, employer related advice, and mentoring support, over 3600 school pupils were given the opportunity to improve employability skills, improve academic achievement and, ultimately, learn about the options they have as school leavers in Glasgow.

Commenting on this success, Closing the Gap Manager, Brian Duffy said “Through the dynamic and sustained leadership of SBC, the business community has been able to make a real difference to the ‘no positive destination’ figures for participating schools in Glasgow.”

The support SBC receives from the business community makes Closing the Gap possible. Over the last four years, participating companies have levered in some £1.7 million worth of time. With the right support and funding there is no reason why the programme could not be rolled out Scotland-wide.

To find out more about Closing the Gap please contact Tracey Kerr or Hazel McGeoch on 0141 554 1441 or visit www.sbcscot.com