As school leavers across the Highlands and Islands are making the transition to the next stage in their lives, Careers Scotland is urging them to take part in a survey to find out what they are planning to do after leaving school.

The aim of the survey is to gather information on the destination of every school leaver in Scotland.  The Scottish Executive publishes figures every year on how many people go on to college or university; how many people go on to work; how many go on to training and how many people are unemployed and available for work. 

These figures are also given back to the schools as information for future school leavers.  The Scottish Executive is examining these figures to plan future service provision, for example to those young people designated as NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training).

Staff at Careers Scotland have a duty to collect all the information necessary to complete the survey as accurately as possible between 4th and 29th September.  This is an immense task, carried out in a specific time frame, making it a very busy time in Careers Scotland centres.  All school leavers will be contacted by letter and questionnaire and/or phone call during this period.  

Donna McEwan, Careers Scotland manager, based in Portree said:  "It is very important that as many school leavers as possible respond to the survey over the next few weeks in order for us to collate the responses to get accurate figures.  We rely very much on the co-operation of the young people and their families to respond to our request for information as fully and as quickly as possible." 

This post school contact also gives Careers Scotland the opportunity to offer our services to those who have not yet been able top take up a place in work, education or training.  Job search support is provided and assistance in applying for places remaining on college and university courses.