According to the Recruitment and Employment Confederation, 7 out of 10 employers are experiencing a shortage of candidates to fulfil roles within their organisations. Whilst many employers report a shortage of workers, contrastingly, Skills Development Scotland conducted a study on Young People’s Career Ambitions, which revealed that 32% of young people believe a lack of available job opportunities presents a barrier to their future career. How Career Events can Help Concerns regarding a lack of available opportunities are not the sole barrier preventing young people and employers from tackling the worker shortage. SDS’ Young People’s Career Ambitions study also revealed that 30% of young people worry that they don’t have the right skills and 34% don’t have the qualifications required for opportunities that are available. Furthermore, 47% don’t have the confidence to apply, which may be heightened by high competition for jobs, which 36% of young people reported as a barrier to employment. Career events present an opportunity for employers and organisations to have an informal chat with young people, not only raising awareness of available roles but the skills and qualifications required to fulfil them. Some young people may learn that they already possess sufficient skills and qualifications, whilst others may feel inspired to pursue further learning to prepare for such roles in the future. Both outcomes can empower young people to find the next step in their journey – whether that’s education, employment or volunteering – and, in doing so, increase their confidence. Both outcomes increase the likelihood of your business or organisation receiving job applications from people with a genuine interest in the role. Success Stories Employers and organisations are realising how beneficial careers events can be to the local workforce and economy, with DYW Outer Hebrides breaking previous records of employers interested in attending their Lewis and Harris Careers Fair back in November 2023. Councillor Paul Steele, Leader of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, emphasises the importance of such engagement between employers and young people: “It is important our young people are aware of the job opportunities available to them locally. Having these events across our islands is a fantastic showcase of the many opportunities to live, work and learn in the Western Isles.” – Paul Steele, Comhairle nan Eilean Sia
“The event was a massive success and we would definitely support again… the targeted event gave more students the opportunity to engage.” – Balfour Beatty Whilst career events can educate young people on multiple industries, focussed events can allow employers and organisations to connect with young people who are already interested in learning more about specific industries or routes and pathways. Examples of sector-focused career events include DYW Dumfries & Galloway’s Bang Goes DG event which took place in May 2024, with a particular focus on STEM. Board members and teachers alike stressed the importance of raising awareness of STEM careers: "The need for a talented workforce in STEM related fields has never been greater, and evolving use of robotics, computer science and artificial intelligence in all facets of business makes it vitally important that our young people get an understanding and appreciation of STEM" – John Reid, DYW Regional Board Chair "The impact of STEM education and its accompanying career opportunities in the fields of science, technology, engineering and maths cannot be understated. This is an amazing event which is looked forward each year to by all pupils and teachers" – Teacher, Stranraer Academ  DYW Dumfries & Galloway's STEM-focused Bang Goes DG event in May 2024 In June 2024, DYW North Highland hosted a healthcare-focused careers event to raise awareness of the breadth of roles available within the healthcare sector. Sector-focused career events have proved to be useful, with positive feedback from young people: “I couldn’t believe there was an event being run for something I’m interested in. It’s great as I want to go into the healthcare sector.” – Young person from North Highland Region To raise awareness of work-based learning opportunities and alternative pathways, DYW West Lothian held an apprenticeship careers event in October 2023, educating young people on a range of employers across various sectors who offer apprenticeships, and how to apply. Pre and post event surveys indicated a notable increase in young people’s understanding of apprenticeships, what they involve and how to find opportunities. Get Started with Career Events If your organisation or industry is currently affected by a shortage of workers, why not relieve recruitment pressures by influencing young people’s career decisions at a careers event? Working with DYW can broaden your organisation’s visibility and help you to connect with your future workforce. With 20 DYW Regional Groups operating across Scotland, you can get involved locally or nationally. Each region operates differently, catering to local demands and available opportunities. Working with DYW provides your business or organisation with the potential to connect with thousands of young people. If you would like to get involved in career events, or would like to learn more about what’s involved, check out our ‘Get Started with Career Events’ guide in the DYW Employer Hub. To find out about upcoming career events, or other ways you can connect with young people, in your region, contact your local DYW Regional Group. If you are a national employer who operates in multiple regions, contact DYW Scotland for more information. Comments are closed.
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