Edinburgh Guarantee creating bright futures for young people

The results of this initiative are impressive - of the nine individuals who were given a six month contract - three have been successful after applying for full time roles, two have been given contract extensions, two are on their way to university and the final two are in the process of deciding what their next steps will be.

The Edinburgh Guarantee, which was rolled out last year, brings together employers and other organisations with the aim of creating employment, training and further education opportunities for Edinburgh's school leavers.

Councillor Tom Buchanan, Economic Development Convener said:  "Congratulations to all the interns who have done such a great job.  It is really encouraging to see the good work the Edinburgh Guarantee is doing already.  We need to keep building on this so the whole city is helping make sure our young people have opportunities to succeed in their careers.

The Chief Executive of the City of Edinburgh Council has met with seven of the interns yesterday to congratulate them and discuss how the Edinburgh Guarantee has affected their lives.

Chief Executive of the City of Edinburgh Council, Sue Bruce, said: "This truly is great news and the kind of result we've been aiming for.  The Edinburgh Guarantee is all about providing options for young people which may not have been available to them in the past.  We want to engage with employers to show them that our school leavers are very capable and have a lot to offer in being trained as interns - as has been proved here today.

"I would like to thank Standard Life for supporting the Edinburgh Guarantee and would encourage other city employers to work with us and help us all give our young people the opportunities they deserve."

Scott Linton started his internship last March, he has been working in Human Resources and has managed to secure a permanent job as an Administration Assistant in Sales as a result of his hard work: "Taking part in the scheme has been a fantastic experience for me. As a result, I have a permanent job with a great company, which, at one point I wasn't sure would ever happen. I want to thank Standard Life and the Edinburgh Guarantee once again for making this all possible."

There was further good news today as Standard Life announced they would be taking on an additional 10 interns through the scheme, at the end of August.

Standard Life's Group Operations Officer, Sandy Begbie, said: "When we agreed to take part in this initiative we had high hopes for our new interns. They have been fantastic and brought so much enthusiasm and energy to the business. We are delighted with the outcome. 

"I would strongly encourage other employers in the city to become part of the Edinburgh Guarantee as many school leavers are very bright, very capable people, who are really keen to make a good impression and work hard.  We are looking forward to working with our new interns and wish all those who have been with us for the last six months all the very best for the future."

In May this year, Standard Life also seconded one of their experienced managers to Edinburgh Council for at least six months to support and further develop the youth employment strategy. His expertise will help bring a different perspective to the Edinburgh Guarantee team.

"The Council has recruited an additional 50 apprenticeships and 80 training places so far.  This is an obvious example of the good progress and work that is currently taking place to fill the next tranche of posts."

All employers in Edinburgh are invited to participate in the good work being carried out by the Edinburgh Guarantee.  They can email Let's Talk to edinburghguarantee@edinburgh.gov.uk

Aditional information:

1. The Edinburgh Guarantee is a vision that all sectors of the city will work together to ensure that every school leaver in Edinburgh will have a positive destination. The Council has taken a leadership role and is facilitating public, private and voluntary sector partners, working together.

2. Standard Life was one of the first companies to support the Edinburgh Guarantee programme, to provide nine paid work placements for young people.

3. The Council has created 50 new apprenticeships and provided training support for a further 80 school leavers, with at least 20 places ring fenced for looked after children. The Council is also working with further education colleges to look at ways of providing more training opportunities.

4. Pictured from left to right, Chief Executive of the City of Edinburgh Council, Sue Bruce, Standard Life's Group Operations Officer, Sandy Begbie and interns; Euan Dunnett, Ross McDonald, Scott Linton, Adele Wilkie, Jet Hay, Kristina Kerr and Hana Davies-Clark.