INVEST IN A SKILLED WORKFORCE

Developing the Young Workforce (DYW) aims to prepare learners for their future pathways and the transition into the world of work.

With a coordinator in every high school the DYW programme has become a recognised and recognisable part of Scotland’s curriculum. And by being an employer-led programme DYW is now an integral part of Scotland’s business community.

At DYW West Highland we’re focused on helping young people to develop their skills and access careers. That’s why we work with schools and employers to develop programmes such as ‘Developing My Strengths’ and ‘Meaningful May’. Providing career inspiration and employability skills development.

What skills?

Some aspects of employability skills, such as CV writing, application form filling and job search, are well known and can be clearly defined. Working with partners and employers we deliver sessions to show young people how to make their CV’s shine and how to write a job application that has an impact.

Interview skills are another well known aspect of employability skills. Learning how to present yourself, how to speak about your achievements and yourself can be nerve wracking for adults, so providing interview skills sessions with constructive feedback from ambition-linked employers is really beneficial for young people.

The other ‘soft skills’ elements are less closely defined, and harder to ‘package up’. They are typically embedded, so that an understanding of the importance of a positive approach, teamwork, good communication, confidence and self-management are gained within a wider programme which includes work experience.

Provision of work experience are employability placements for young people helps them pick up those soft skills without feeling like they’re learning anything. DYW West Highland works to match employers with young people who have an ambition to work in that sector. This approach is beneficial for both the employer and the young person.

Career Inspiration

The variety of roles and sectors with availability in Lochaber currently is tremendous. With employers of all sizes offering training and qualifications that enable young people to earn while they learn.

DYW West Highland works with as wide a variety of employers as possible, highlighting the range of opportunities available to young people while they are still in school so they can prepare themselves to be the best candidates to follow their future pathway.

Get Involved

Are you an employer who would like to provide an hour, half a day, or more to inspire or develop employability skills in our young workforce? Get involved by contacting DYW West Highland: info@dywwesthighland.org

www.dywwesthighland.org