Here’s how we’re investing in Scotland’s young people

by the SNP
Posted on
3 years ago
3 min read

From the Young Person’s Guarantee, to free tuition and free bus travel for under-22s, here’s how we’re working to secure the best future for young people.

Protecting young people from the economic impact of COVID

As we emerge out of restrictions and into recovery, we’re ensuring that Scotland’s young people have the chance to succeed despite the economic hit of COVID.

The new £70 million funding for the Young Person’s Guarantee aims to give every person aged 16 to 24 the opportunity of a job, apprenticeship, education or training.

Our Young Person’s Guarantee has already created 18,000 valuable opportunities

The Young Person’s Guarantee is not simply a short-term intervention in response to COVID – it’s a commitment to create a more successful country by supporting every young person to achieve their potential.

Since launching in November 2020, the Guarantee has already created 18,000 opportunities for young people – including modern apprenticeships, graduate programs, additional college places and more.

It has also established the Young Scot Leadership Panel of 21 young people, and the Equality Action Plan, to ensure we’re tackling inequalities and removing barriers for all.

Better, greener jobs for young people

We want COP26 to leave a legacy of green opportunities, and the Young Person’s Guarantee will play a vital role in connecting young people with nature-based, sustainable jobs.

Part of our new £70 million funding will support more young people, particularly young women, to pursue careers in farming and land management – helping to tackle rural depopulation and to reach net zero by 2045.

More college places, record support for students

The £70 million announcement includes funding for 9,000 additional places in college, including short, industry-focussed and fast-track courses to provide vital skills and support young people into good jobs.

We’re also providing record levels of support to further education students, through record high college bursaries, childcare and discretionary funds – as well as by protecting the Educational Maintenance Allowance.

Rolling out free bus travel for under-22s

From 31 January 2022, all those under 22 in Scotland will benefit from free bus travel right across the country.

This will enable 100,000s of people to access work or education opportunities, or socialise with friends or family without the cost barriers.

We’re also protecting free bus travel for those over 60 and those with disabilities.

World-class universities, free from tuition fees

We believe that education is a right, not a commodity – and so it must be based on the ability to learn, not the ability to pay.

That’s why we have abolished tuition fees and for as long as the SNP is in government, there will be no university tuition fees.

Scotland is the only country in the UK that offers free university education, saving students up to £27,750.