More than a third of Scottish employers intend to increase their workforce over the next 12 months, according to a new survey.
The Scottish Chambers of Commerce skills pulse survey also revealed that almost three-quarters (72%) of Scottish businesses think they should be involved in supporting young people gain skills and work experience.
Commenting on the results, Scottish Chambers of Commerce chief executive Liz Cameron said: “Businesses recognise the importance of their role in providing young people with the skills and experiences needed take on and hold down a job, and to pursue a productive and rewarding career.
“Scottish businesses want to see improvements in the work experience offer in vocational, technical and practical skills, and in young people’s engagement with employers while in education,” she added.
“Lack of work experience and lack of technical skills at the craft level were the biggest issues employers identified when they reported finding vacancies hard to fill.”
Just 3% of businesses surveyed said they expected to reduce their number of staff in the next year.
More than half (57%) of employers are participating in Government employment or skills-related programmes, or are planning to do so in the future.
Ms Cameron added: “With this expected increase in recruitment, it is therefore important, firstly, that improvements and modernisations are implemented swiftly.
“Equally important is that the education and skills system responds fully to employers, addressing both their concerns and their willingness to play their part.”