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Gates plugs into training needs | |
(about 2 hours later) | |
Billionaire Bill Gates and the Scottish Executive have unveiled a joint training and development plan for unemployed youngsters. | |
The software magnate outlined proposals to help the growing number of jobless youngsters in Scotland who are not in education or training. | |
The Microsoft chairman is in Edinburgh for the firm's Government Leaders Forum at the Scottish Parliament. | |
The event coincides with the launch of Microsoft's Vista operating system. | |
Mr Gates and First Minister Jack McConnell signed a joint statement of intent between the executive and the company. | |
Microsoft Scotland will create a volunteer corps and encourage its 1,300-strong business partner network to get involved by providing work placements, help for voluntary organisations and mentoring, as part of the agreement. | |
Our Scottish government and Microsoft share the ambition of helping young people to realise their full potential First Minister Jack McConnell | |
The company already has one of its senior management team working with the executive on the issue and officials said the statement of intent will build on this. | |
Mr Gates said: "We hope that by working with our business partners in Scotland and the Scottish government, we can help young people gain the skills and experience they need to participate in the knowledge economy and ultimately help the Scottish economy realise its potential." | |
The Scottish Executive will tap into the expertise to develop the skills required by Microsoft staff in Scotland, as part of the commitment. | |
Mr McConnell said: "This is a ground-breaking venture with a major company that should enable us to help young Scots and to pursue similar agreements with other companies in the future. | |
"I am determined to find new ways of tackling this problem. Our Scottish government and Microsoft share the ambition of helping young people to realise their full potential." | |
Digital learning | |
Mr McConnell and the Duke of York earlier addressed delegates at the event's opening ceremony. | |
A question and answer session with Chancellor Gordon Brown and Mr Gates will begin on Wednesday. | |
Other leaders taking part include Danuta Hubner, European Commissioner for Regional Policy, and Wim Kok, former Prime Minister of the Netherlands. | |
The forum aims to encourage government and academic delegates to look at issues related to digital learning, employability and the knowledge economy. | |
It is the first time the forum has been held in the UK and follows successful events in Lisbon, Prague and Rome. | |