What is DYW?

• Developing the Young Workforce is a seven year programme to reduce youth unemployment by 40% by 2021. 
• The national milestones are set out in Scotland’s Youth Employment Strategy  
• The programme is built on the CfE entitlements for children and young people set out in 2008 in Building the Curriculum 3.
• It is a key education policy, as highlighted by John Swinney at SLF 2017 – “Our education policy is enshrined by three major policies, Getting it Right for Every Child, Curriculum for Excellence and Developing Scotland's Young Workforce.”
• A focus on STEM sits at the heart of DYW. The Digital Learning and Teaching Strategy, Making Maths Count report and a STEM strategy for Scotland will contribute useful and relevant insights.
• DYW has a particular and significant contribution to make to the Scottish Attainment Challenge outcomes.


• Visit the National Improvement Hub links below for further guidance and information.

Key DYW Documents & Resources

Key Advice, Practice & Support

My World of Work

inspiring the future workforce

You can inspire the future workforce in many ways through education: 

• Developing the Young Workforce offers a range of online digital tools to bring the class room alive with work inspiration activity. You can see some examples of good practice and additional online resources here on the NIH or check out our Inspiration Station for case studies on what's going on across the country. 
• ​Marketplace is a simple, easy-to-use online tool. It is an online application and website that connects schools with employers in their area. Employers can interact with schools, colleges and pupils, sharing their knowledge of their sector through workshops, talks or workplace visits. Schools and colleges can choose search and book opportunities posted by employers that suit their students or subject area.  
• Founders4Schools create bespoke events and work experience opportunities for young people - similar to Marketplace, educators can search and make asks of businesses to be involved in activities. 
• ​Check out our DYW Programmes which are available nationally
  

Some of the benefits of integrating Developing the Young Workforce into education include:

• It’s a great way to identify local and national opportunities to inspire future careers.
• Young people will learn about employers’ expectations, building awareness and job readiness.
• Employers will share their knowledge and expertise.
• You can build long-lasting relationships with the business community.

Next steps

• If you don't have a link to your DYW Regional Group or DYW Coordinator find the right contact in our Regions page
  
• Sign up for Education Scotland’s DYW e-bulletin 
• Join the conversation and connect with other practitioners on the DYW Yammer Group
• Contact your local authority lead officer for DYW for advice, support and links to Local Employability Partnership groups
• Got an interesting story to tell? Let us know about your activities and practice