In response to your article, “Skills Focus on Neets” (January 25), Barnardo’s Scotland welcomes the new construction skills academy planned for Glasgow, and hopes it will be an opportunity to ensure that the skills and training on offer are made available to young people who would otherwise be denied. We have many years’ experience working with this industry, through the Youthbuild initiative, delivering for disadvantaged young people. We are proud of the outcomes and success of these services and plan to develop smaller technical education schools, offering the most excluded pupils the chance to learn a skill and gain qualifications which will enable them to access independent work and living.

Martin Crewe, director, Barnardo’s Scotland.