Developing the Young Workforce
Developing the Young Workforce (DYW) is an employer-led Scottish Government Youth Employment strategy. It aims to reduce youth unemployment – to realise this aspiration we need to ensure young people in Scotland, and in our West Highland and Lochaber region, have the inspiration, skills and confidence needed to make the seamless transition between school and the workforce.
DYW West Highland is hosted by Lochaber Chamber of Commerce, and based in Fort William. We work collaboratively with The Highland Council, Skills Development Scotland, partner agencies, secondary schools and colleges (UHI North, West and Hebrides and Sabhal Mòr Ostaig). By working together, we can help employers shape the future workforce of the West Highlands and help young people be better prepared for the world of work.
Our long-term plan is to bridge the gap between education and employment. Building employer links with schools can:
- Provide businesses with a range of social and corporate benefits
- Provide young people with a much better understanding of the local labour market
- Help ensure young people have the skills they need for work
- Help businesses to recruit and retain the right local talent
How can your business make a difference?
There are a range of ways businesses can get involved to support the work of the DYW project:
- Presentations on the variety of career paths and roles in your company
- Work-experience placements
- Visits to your business
- Mock interviews
- Mentoring pupils
- Letting teachers know about the skills and qualities you’re looking for in your staff
If your business is already committed to training and providing careers within the West Highlands and Lochaber, and you are looking for a sustainable long-term plan for recruitment – it makes perfect sense to be part of Developing the Young Workforce in your local area.
The Chairperson of the employer-led Board is Matthew Jackson, Property Director of Sonas Hospitality, the rest of the Board comprises representatives from: Lochaber Chamber of Commerce, BSW Timber, Woodlands Glencoe, Wester Ross Biosphere, Skills Development Scotland, TSL Contractors, MOWI, Sabhal Mòr Ostaig and UHI North, West and Hebrides.
If your business would like to get involved, please call the team on 01397 705765, email us or click on the link below to find out more.
