Getting Into Work - Scotland - Work Schemes and Help

For general information on finding a job in Scotland and the help available, see the following websites:

• Careers: My World of Work

There are also the following Scottish schemes:

Fair Start Scotland

Fair Start Scotland is a flexible employability scheme targeted at people facing barriers to work, including people with disabilities, carers, single parents, people who are long term unemployed and/or from a minoritised community.  

This scheme only operates in some parts of Scotland. 

Individual Training Accounts (ITA)

If you are unemployed or on a low wage, you can get up to £200 per year for training courses to improve your skills through the Individual Training Accounts (ITA) Scheme. Applications are taken on a yearly basis. 

Young people

Job Guarantee Scheme 

The Job Guarantee Scheme in Scotland aims to make sure that everyone aged between 16 and 24 has the opportunity of work, education or training. 

It connects every 16 to 24 year old in Scotland to the opportunity of a job, placement, training or volunteering with employers committed to the Guarantee.

Job Start Payment

Job Start Payment is a new benefit to help young people in Scotland with the costs of starting a new job.

You can apply for Job Start Payment if you're a young person (16-24) or a care leaver (16-25) who's been out of work and is on certain benefits. There is additional eligibility, which depends on whether you are just a young person or a care leaver.

Read our Job Start Payment guide for more details.

People with disabilities

Inclusion Scotland

Inclusion Scotland 'We Can Work Internship Programme' offers internship opportunities for people with disabilities.

See also Disabled people and work

Self employment

Business Gateway

Business Gateway is a publicly funded service in Scotland that provides information, resources, advice and support to Scottish businesses.

Firstport

Firstport is a charity that supports individuals across Scotland to start, develop and grow their ideas into businesses with social impact at their core (social enterprises).

This might include up to £5,000 of start-up funding through its Social Entrepreneurs Fund for individuals with a business idea that addresses a social, environmental, and/or community issue.

See also Self Employment National Schemes

Transport costs

For what is available on a UK wide basis, see Getting Into Work: Help with Transport Costs

ScotRail

If you’re a Jobcentre Plus Travel Discount Card holder, ScotRail gives 2 free return fares a month for attending interviews and a free rail pass for the first month in employment.

Access is through your local Jobcentre. Your adviser will give you a form to complete which is then submitted to Scotrail.

See also Transport Costs National Schemes