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 This year's conference is looking at Harnessing West Lothian's Talent - Creating Real Employment Opportunities It will take place on Tuesday 14 September 2010, 17.00 for 17.30 at Howden Park Centre, Livingston EH54 6AE One of West Lothian's biggest assets is its young and growing population. However the increase in unemployment caused by the recession affects young people more than others, and is a growing problem in West Lothian. Youth unemployment is a major waste of the talent and enthusiasm that young people can bring to our economy. The challenge is to ensure that we are encouraging them to contribute by providing links to opportunities in the job market. Keith Brown MSP, Minister for Skills and Lifelong Learning, has called for the public, private and voluntary sectors to step forward and help young people become the future workforce and economic success we know they can be. This year's economic conference aims to inspire local organisations to get involved in national and local employment initiatives to support our future workforce by highlighting a range of best practice initiatives. Drawing on their own experiences, our line-up of speakers will show how public and private sector collaboration can achieve real results. The West Lothian Economic Partnership has recently launched its Economic Strategy for 2010-2020. Realising the potential of young people is a key strategic driver, with investment in people and skills vital for the area's future success. Speaking on behalf of the Partnership, West Lothian Council's Chief Executive Alex Linkston will outline the priorities over the next ten years. To conclude the conference, the new West Lothian Working Together employer engagement service will be launched, the result of a joint initiative in which local employment services have come together to co-ordinate a single, simple source of support to help West Lothian employers make the most of the employment support initiatives that are available. "We need the public, private and voluntary sectors to step forward and help us to help young people become the future workforce and economic success we know they can be." Download your copy of the West Lothian Economic Strategy 2010 - 2020 or email andrew.cotton@westlothian.gov.uk to receive a paper copy.
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