Scotland's Justice Minister and Lothian MSP Kenny MacAskill has officially opened the Edinburgh Youthbuild project that is run by Action for Children and supported by Link.

Youthbuild is already proving successful in finding full time jobs for young people from difficult backgrounds who have otherwise struggled to find work.

The project works with young people aged 16-24, providing them with personalised one-to-one support as they learn a range of construction skills. They are then given real paid experience of working with a firm for six months, with the opportunity to secure an apprenticeship or a full-time job.

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Action for Children already operates Youthbuild in Glasgow and Inverclyde - more than two thirds of trainees from these areas have secured an apprenticeship or full-time work. Funds have been provided from the Scottish Government's 'Inspiring Scotland' programme to roll out the scheme in Edinburgh.

Link has supported Youthbuild by giving young people work experience on local sites in Edinburgh where new affordable homes are being constructed.

Justice Minster Kenny MacAskill said: "I am delighted Youthbuild is now being rolled out in Edinburgh. This is a valuable project which helps young people fulfil their potential.

"The Scottish Government is dedicated to improving the employment chances of young people and has invested over £9 million in Inspiring Scotland to help encourage ventures such as this."

Link's Chief Executive Craig Sanderson said: "Helping young people access employment and training is a priority for us and we are very pleased that by joining forces with Action for Children we are able to give more young people."

(GK)