More Choices, More Chances

Within the community of Orkney there are, at any time, up to 70 young people who are not in education, employment or training. As part of a national strategy, we have a commitment to supporting them, improving their life chances and to providing long-term opportunities for their futures.

Staff from key agencies and organisations, voluntary agencies and young people themselves, are working together in a community planning approach in working to reduce numbers who fall or are at risk of falling into the More Choices, More Chances (MCMC) category.

16+ Learning Choices Development (OIC)

16+ Learning Choices acts as the delivery of the senior phase of Curriculum for Excellence and is a new model for ensuring that every young person has an appropriate, relevant ‘offer’ of learning made to them, well in advance of their school leaving date. An ‘offer’ can be full or part-time further education, full or part-time higher education, national training programmes, employment, personal/skills development (Get Ready for Work, personal programmes, the Connect Project) and volunteering.

Working closely with Skills Development Scotland the Local Authority must ensure there is relevant provision for young people in Orkney to build on current skills and interests with the aim of moving into a positive destination and decreasing the numbers of young people in a negative destination.

Contact:

Education and Leisure Services

Orkney Islands Council

Kirkwall

KW15 1NY

Tel: 01856 873535

Young People

If you are aged between 16-19 years old and are not in education, employment or training, or you know someone in this situation; help is available at:

Skills Development Scotland - Kirkwall

2 Albert Street

Kirkwall

KW15 1HP

Tel: 01856 872460

Orkney Connect Project

This is a new project of supported opportunities for young people. The project will provide dedicated space and two staff to deliver tailored, personal and skills development and training opportunities for up to 20 young people who have left school with few or no qualifications. Young people may get in touch directly or be referred through support agencies.

For further information please contact:

Voluntary Action Orkney

Tel: 01856 872897

Further Information

Links to useful organisations providing aid and advice for young people, can be accessed from the Directories page, accessible from the Related links within this section of this web page.