Getting young in the workplace

A business roadshow connecting employers to skilled young people will take place across the region next month.

DevelopingYoung Workforce is an initiative to help support local employers to access skilled young people in their area, and will encourage over 6,000 employers across the region to offer work experience opportunities and promote apprenticeships in their business.

The five-day programme kicks off on Monday, June 12 at Crieff Hydro Hotel, with further roadshows planned throughout the week, with Perth College UHI on Tuesday, Loch Leven’s Larder in Kinross on Wednesday, The Red House Hotel in Coupar Angus on Thursday, and SSE Pitlochry Dam Visitor Centre on Friday. Each day starts at 10am, with opportunities to learn more about the initiative and network with local employers.

Fiona Reith, the programme’s manager, said:“The roadshow is a fantastic opportunity for local employers to find out how the young workforce initiative can make a direct difference to their business. Many local employers and young people are already reaping the rewards of better links between business and education.

“For employers, it can give them easy access to the best skilled young people, help lower their recruitment costs, and promote their business as a great company to work for. For young people, we’ve already seen how it can transform their lives by boosting their skills and confidence.

“We’ve got a really exciting programme of initiatives planned for the next year. The roadshow will introduce employers to the dedicated team that is in place to support local businesses and help ensure they get the most out of being involved.”

DevelopingYoung Workforce has been running since August 2016 and is funded by the Scottish Government as part of their national target to reduce the 2014 levels of youth unemployment by 40% by 2021. It will also see £500,000 invested into employability in Perth and Kinross over the next three years.