Indicator update: Participation rate
An update has now been made to the indicator, ‘Participation rate’, with data for 2023 now available.
Updated data
The Annual Participation Measure published by Skills Development Scotland (SDS) looks at the percentage of young adults (16-19 year olds) who are participating in education, training or employment. This is based on the longest held status of the individual over the previous 12 months.
In 2023, 97.4% of 16-19 year olds were in education, employment, training and personal development. This was the fourth highest participation rate in Scotland, with East Renfrewshire, Eilean Siar and East Dunbartonshire having slightly higher rates.
The figure for 2023 returns the indicator to the 2021 target of 97%, having dropped slightly in 2022. The rate of 97.4% compares positively against the Scottish rate of 94.3%.
Background
Looking at the participation rate for our local authority area can help us to understand the opportunities available for 16-19 year olds, as well as whether we are making a difference with what is already in place. The Scottish Government’s ‘Opportunities for All’ commitment offers a place in learning or training to every 16-19 year old who is not in employment, education or training.
Updated data, trends and analysis is available on our Participation rate page.