DYW West Highland Sees Increased Engagement Despite Declining School Enrollment

Despite a 3% decrease in school enrollment across the area, DYW West Highland has seen significant growth in engagement with students and employers during this year (2023/24).

The programme, designed to connect young people and schools with employers and career opportunities, has delivered activities to over 6,400 students during the reporting year, a notable increase. This marks a 41% rise in the rate of student participation compared to the previous year. DYW West Highland has also seen a substantial uptake in employer participation – working with businesses of all sizes throughout the area. The programme has engaged with 29% more businesses compared to last year, with a 28% increase in employers offering work experience opportunities to students. This translates to a 16% increase in the number of young people gaining valuable work experience. “We’ve enjoyed a year of engaging activities and events to inspire young people,” said Jennifer Grant, Programme Manager for DYW West Highland. “Positive feedback from students, teachers, and employers highlights the programme’s effectiveness, reflects the continued dedication of our team of School

Coordinators, and the importance of the time and energy employers give to providing meaningful experiences for pupils throughout the area.” The programme is committed to continuous improvement. Event evaluations were implemented this year to gather feedback from all stakeholders. This data will continue to be collected in 2024/25 and be used to tailor services to better meet the evolving needs of young people, schools, and businesses in the region. Businesses interested in getting involved with DYW West Highland can contact the team at: info@dywwesthhighland.org