€2.4m to help T
identify best
way to improve
labour market
for young
people
HE PROJECT, which involves
13 other leading European
universities, will look at the
best solutions to create sustainable
employment for young people and
vulnerable groups. The project team,
which will be working across 11 countries
including Scotland, will identify some
of Europe’s most innovative solutions
for creating long term employment
opportunities within the youth labour
market.
The INSPIRES (Innovative Social and
Employment Policies for Inclusive and
Resilient Labour Markets in Europe) project
will see QMU play a major role in progressing
the research work.
A European project involving
QMU has received €2.4 million
to help create integrated
services which will improve
the labour market for young
people across Europe.
QMU’s Dr Marion Ellison is a partner on
the research project. She explained: “The
aim is to look at various areas of Europe and
find out what employment strategies really
work – what innovative ideas are producing
positive outcomes for young people in terms
of their employment. Our work in Scotland
and across 10 other countries will identify
unique and innovative employment policies
that contribute to resilient and inclusive
labour markets across Europe.”
Dr Ellison continued: “This European Union
grant is a significant win for Scotland and
will see Scottish researchers working in
partnership with some of Europe’s most
distinguished universities.”
The research team will identify what
employment models and social policies have
been highly effective in Europe. For example,
the new East Lothian Hospitality and Tourism
Academy in Scotland is being heralded
as an exemplar of skills development for
young people. The Academy, an innovative
partnership between QMU, Edinburgh
College and East Lothian Council, is an
outstanding example of a model which
secures real jobs whilst raising industry
standards.
Dr Ellison said: “We aim to discover, and
ultimately share, some of the most inventive
examples of social and employment policies.
This may include creative partnerships
involving businesses, local authorities,
colleges and universities which are offering
relevant skills development, better quality
jobs and improved working conditions for
young people. The information gained from
this research project will be used to devise
policies which will improve the labour market
for young Europeans.” ❒
10
QMYOU / Creativity & Culture