A new directory is being launched to help guide the Shetland workforce through the employment maze.

As 'jobs for life' become a thing of the past, the directory, to help advise people in Shetland considering a career change, is being launched on Friday 31 March by local MSP Tavish Scott.

The Shetland Adult Guidance Directory provides a wide range of information on support services to people who find themselves at a crossroads in their career.

The adult guidance directory has been produced by a group of guidance experts in Shetland who identified the need for comprehensive information to be available.

Gill Murray, the Shetland adult guidance network co-ordinator said: "People can find themselves considering a change of career for a variety of reasons. Being made redundant may seem like the most obvious, but women returning to the workplace after bringing up families, or others who feel it's time for a complete change of direction all need to know where to turn to for advice."

Tavish Scott said: "There are a wide range of training organisations involved in providing advice or training to adults, from the various local training providers to agencies like Shetland Enterprise, Shetland Careers Service, Community Education and Shetland College. The directory will therefore be an invaluable resource to ensure everyone involved in adult guidance speaks the same language and offers consistent advice."

Ten adult guidance advisors are located strategically around Shetland with some as far afield as Yell and Unst. Shetland Enterprise, part of the Highlands and Islands Enterprise Network helps finance adult guidance in Shetland, which is delivered through the Shetland Careers Service. Adult guidance is also funded by the Scottish Executive, the European Social Fund and the Shetland Careers Service.

David Finch, chief executive of Shetland Enterprise said: "As today's labour market changes and evolves more quickly than ever, an adaptable and flexible approach to lifelong learning by the local workforce is required for long term economic benefits for themselves and businesses in Shetland.

"Although the islands have one of the lowest unemployment rates in Scotland at 2.6%, there are still areas like Unst in the Northern Isles where significant numbers of jobs are being lost due to the reduction in activity at RAF Saxa Vord, while in the South mainland jobs are being lost at Sumburgh Airport as the result of Shell's move of its operations to Scatsta.

"The Adult Careers Guidance Service helps to establish the options that are available for those affected, as well as highlighting opportunities that some people don't know exist."

The adult guidance service and directory complements other Shetland Enterprise programmes such as the Women's Integrated Programme - which assists women to return to the labour market, and Training for Work - a programme to help those aged 25 or over who have been unemployed for 6 months or more.

To obtain a copy of the adult guidance directory or to find out more about the adult guidance service contact Gill Murray on 01595 695791.