Developing the Young Workforce North Highland
Developing the Young Workforce (DYW) is the Scottish Government’s Youth Employment strategy to better prepare young people for the world of work.
Some young people know exactly what career or education route they wish to pursue but for many, this can be a very difficult decision. We are here to offer advice and assistance to all young people in education under the age of 24 to achieve a positive destination within two years of leaving formal education.
We aim to
DYWNH support delivery of the Young Person’s Guarantee which is a commitment to bring together employers, partners and young people. Every 16 to 24 year old in Scotland will be offered the opportunity of employment, college or university, training or volunteering.
We offer various activities and events to support young people in gaining skills and experience – highlighting what you enjoy but also what you do not enjoy. There is #NoWrongPath. It’s okay to change your mind on a particular topic, subject or career pathway – we all learn from experiences.
Find more than 30,000 jobs, apprenticeships, courses and volunteering opportunities all in one place via the Young Persons’ Guarantee Opportunity finder.
DYWNH alongside local employers work with our Primary Schools to create fun and educational events, activities and competitions. These support young people to learn a range of skills. Our Junior Dragons Den Challenge inspires our young pupils to be creative, problem solve whilst developing a themed product. Teams present their idea to local judges and encourages participants in confidence and presentation skills.
View our previous challenges HERE
The National aim of Developing the Young Workforce is to Deliver the Young Person’s Guarantee (YPG). The YPG is a commitment to bring together employers, partners and young people. It will connect every 16 to 24 year old in Scotland to the opportunity of a job, placement, training or volunteering with employers who have committed to the Guarantee.
The YPG is employer led and we work alongside those businesses who are committed to delivering this guarantee securing areas of work experience, apprenticeships, training and employment.
The YPG will ensure that all young people aged 16-24 have a positive destination within the next two years. This could be employment, further or higher education, an apprenticeship, work experience, volunteering or training.
By running various events and offering support, we hope to inspire young people to gain the skills and experience needed for entering the world of work. Skills and experience can be gained in a number of ways and our team can help you explore what’s best for you. Please remember too that gaining skills and experience can tell you what you might enjoy doing but also highlights what you won’t enjoy and it’s absolutely ok and perfectly normal to change your mind. We believe there is #NoWrongPath to success so long as you try hard and learn from all experiences.
Work Experience – provides an insight into the world of work. We work in partnership with Highland Council to ensure inspiring placements are offered to those in education who will benefit most from these experiences.
Employment – Assist in identifying career pathways, especially where there may be a skills shortage within industry.
What are YOUR skills, interests and personal qualities
Do you prefer to learn through further education or on the job?
Some examples of career pathways can be found “HERE”
We’ve developed these handy flyers which are ideal if you’re looking for details on how to become an Electrician, Joiner or Early Years Practitioner. Just click on each image to read more.
Marketplace – is a digital platform connecting schools and colleges with employers. Registered employers can share sector knowledge through workshops, talks, workplace visits or placements.
Schools and colleges use Marketplace to bring industry insight into the classroom. Teachers can search for opportunities offered by industry and arrange for employers to meet with pupils to deliver
Why we’re doing it
Marketplace helps build young people’s job readiness and increases their career options. At the same time, employers can help shape young talent, address skills gaps and source their future workforce.
Talk to your school coordinator or PSE teacher about marketplace opportunities to identify opportunities beneficial to you. Check out our Facebook, Twitter & Instagram where we often join in with #MarketplaceMondays. If you see something you like, show you’re school co-ordinator or PSE teacher and find out how you can apply.
Learn about the world of work and gain industry knowledge while you’re still at school
There’s 12 Foundation Apprenticeship subjects to choose from and all were designed in partnership with employers.
Choose a Foundation Apprenticeship and you’ll quickly discover the benefits they bring.
With a Modern Apprenticeship you learn on the job, and get the experience you need. Plus, you work towards a qualification.
Whether you’re thinking about the future, job hunting, or want to learn new skills, a Modern Apprenticeship could be for you.
Did you know 72% of Scottish employers think job applicants lack technical, practical or job specific skills?
A Graduate Apprenticeship helps you build the skills and knowledge that Scottish industries need. You’ll work, get paid, and achieve a degree – even up to masters level.
You’ll spend most of your time learning on the job, but will also be a student at a university or college.
Know what you’d like to do already?