New figures show that 93.9% of young people in ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ and Bute are currently in education, employment or training, placing the region in fifth place out of the 32 Scottish local authorities - an increase from its position of tenth in 2020-21.
The Annual Participation Measure (APM) is used to assess the Scottish Government’s progress in delivering its commitment to offer a place in learning or training to every 16-19 year old in Scotland.
The 2022 APM figures show that 93.9% of 16-19 year olds in ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ and Bute were participating in education, training or employment compared to 92.4% nationally. The new figures mark an increase of 0.4% on 2021.
In 2021-22, there was an increase in the number of young people in employment in the area from 21.9% in 2020-21 to 24.2%. Nationally, 17.5% of young people are in employment.
The APM is compiled from data collected from various bodies including local authorities, colleges, the Department of Work and Pensions, the Students Awards Agency Scotland and the Scottish Funding Council.
Councillor Yvonne McNeilly, the Council’s Policy Lead for Education, said: “It is extremely gratifying to see this kind of recognition for the performance of our Education Service and local schools in encouraging the participation of our young people in education, training and employment.
“We continue to work closely with children and young people to understand their needs and ambitions with a view to identifying and securing the best possible destination for them. We are committed to working with our partners in the education and third sectors to ensure that we continue to create the right environment for all our young people to achieve their ambitions by providing the support they need to participate in training, education and the world of work.â€