The new partnership was launched as part of the abrdn Charitable Foundation’s global powerful partnerships and aligns with their focus on investing in tomorrow’s generation.

With funding from the abrdn Charitable Foundation, RtW will be rolled out to 18 new secondary schools across Aberdeen, Glasgow, and Edinburgh over the next three years, aiming to support over 300 disengaged 15 to 17-year-olds into sustainable careers.

RtW is a proven, high impact employability model. It uniquely spans the last year of school with the first year of work to produce a seamless and sustainable pathway into meaningful work and careers. Pilots in Edinburgh and East Ayrshire have consistently achieved over 75% success rates into jobs, apprenticeships, or college throughout the past three years.

As part of the partnership, abrdn colleagues will play their part throughout via skills-based volunteering opportunities and by supporting WorkingRite in their mission to advocate for the national system change that RtW represents.

Graham Robertson, chief executive of WorkingRite, said: “Our partnership with abrdn is an absolute game changer in terms of our ability to now roll out our Rite to Work programme in three key areas across Scotland.

“We have already run an incredibly successful pilot of the project and to be able to extend this to young people across the country is a huge step forward for us as a charity.”

Mr Robertson continued: “Times have rarely been tougher for young people, so Rite to Work focuses on early intervention, with pupils who for various reasons are struggling with the traditional education system and offers them an alternative route to success in work and in life.

“Rite to Work supports them to overcome the various barriers in their lives and helps them fulfil their undoubted potential and move into positive destinations such as an apprenticeship or long-term employment.

“We are absolutely delighted to be able to announce our partnership with abrdn and to be able to do what we do best – supporting the hardest-to-reach young people and helping them become confident, happy adults who contribute positively to society.”

Sarah Moody, abrdn Charitable Foundation chair, added: “Employability programmes like WorkingRite’s are essential to bridge the gap between education and meaningful work.

“Many young people continue to face systemic barriers that impact on their pathway to employment, such as limited education or training opportunities, experience of childhood poverty, and the associated factors. Acknowledging and addressing these challenges is essential if we want tomorrow’s generation to fulfil their potential.”