A £5.8 million fund to help young people prepare for the world of work and find jobs has been announced by the Scottish Government.
Scotland's 32 local authorities will use the additional investment to strengthen links between schools, colleges and employers.
Councils will also use the cash to continue developing work-based learning and career pathways for all young people, and support vulnerable groups towards employment.
The Scottish Government will work with the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities on the allocation of the funds.
The funding forms part of action to reduce youth unemployment in Scotland by 40% by 2021 as outlined in Developing the Young Workforce - Scotland's Youth Employment Strategy.
Fair Work, Skills and Training Secretary Roseanna Cunningham said: "Work to reduce youth unemployment in Scotland by 40% by 2021 is well under way through actions as part of our youth employment strategy.
"Last month's figures showed that youth employment was at 363,000, the highest figure recorded since the same period ten years ago.
"We have already funded Skills Development Scotland to provide more modern apprenticeships (MAs) and enhanced careers advice, but we need to keep up momentum.
"Local government has a key role to play in preparing young women and men for employment, and is already taking forward a range of activity to help them fulfil their potential.
"This additional funding will allow councils to offer even more support to their young people and further boost Scotland's economic growth."
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