Scotland is set to lead the UK with a pioneering one-stop careers advice shop for people of all ages.
Wendy Alexander, Scotland's minister for enterprise and lifelong learning, today unveiled plans for the service, to be backed by £9 million over three years.
She said consultations had shown clear support for the service, with most responses "acknowledging that the current 'clutter' of organisations not only caused duplication of effort but also confusion for the client". The proposed Careers Scotland system would allow a coordinated approach nationally and locally.
"These proposals are designed to help all Scots better to get the best jobs they can," Ms Alexander said."That means ending the current 'blind date' aspects of employees trying to find employers and employers trying to find the right workers."
It would work alongside learndirect scotland, the Scottish University for Industry.