Meeting of the Parliament 21 January 2016
I very much welcome the minister’s comments. We are not talking about a stand-alone certificate, as the amendment possibly implies. I hope that the minister will consider our proposal and look at what is happening in Wales, where the Government is ensuring that the diverse range of achievements and talents of every young person is recorded.
That fits in well with the vision that has been outlined by the chief executive of YouthLink Scotland, Jim Sweeney, who has said:
“If we are really going to tackle the educational attainment gap then we need to realise that not all young people respond to formal education, they need another path, another approach that engages them and keeps them on their learning journey.
A solid partnership with formal education would ensure all our young people can learn in a way that inspires them.”
In its briefing for today’s debate, YouthLink Scotland also highlights the need for financial investment and longer-term funding arrangements, which are vital if we are to ensure that the youth work and youth awards success story continues. Ambition is great, but it needs to be backed up with resources. At a time when our councils are facing significant cuts in their budgets, it is vital that we continue to highlight how investing in youth work and in the preventative agenda makes sense. It is worth highlighting once more that research found that there is a return of about £13 for every £1 that is invested in youth work. In the past two years, through activity arrangements that have been co-ordinated and supported by YouthLink, local authorities have helped more than 7,000 young people into positive destinations. Those are the young people who are furthest away from the jobs market and college, so investing in youth work now can help to deal with future budget challenges.
I notice that I am running out of time to deliver my speech.
Youth workers to whom I have spoken are stressed about where future funding is coming from and would very much welcome longer-term funding packages from the Scottish Government. We must ensure that there is more sustainable funding, that youth workers are better supported and that the contribution of volunteers is fully recognised.
It is clear that our society is constantly changing; so are our young people’s aspirations, interests and hopes. Youth work and youth awards have a key role to play in improving the life chances of our young people and ensuring that they can play a positive role in shaping Scotland’s future. Like the minister, I am excited that 16 and 17-year-olds have the opportunity to vote in May, and I hope that they make the most of that opportunity.
It is vital that the Scottish Government and local authorities continue to invest in and support Scotland’s youth work sector, to ensure that it can continue to change lives.
I move amendment S4M-15380.1, to insert at end:
“, and believes that young people’s achievements of all kinds should be more systematically recognised by the education system through the adoption of a universal Scottish graduate certificate encompassing academic, vocational and voluntary achievement.”
16:20Motions, questions or amendments mentioned by their reference code.