Addressing Scotland’s Skills Shortages: Inspiring Young People and Building the Workforce of the Future

​Scotland’s employers are facing an increasing challenge: a growing skills shortage across multiple industries, whilst many job seekers struggle to find suitable employment. This mismatch between employer needs and workforce skills requires a proactive approach to bridge the gap. Employers must take a leading role in inspiring young people to develop the necessary skills, aligning these skills with qualifications, and embracing apprenticeships as a way to cultivate a future-ready workforce.

​Inspiring Young People to Develop Essential Skills
One of the most effective ways to address skills shortages is by engaging young people in schools and colleges, demonstrating the value of learning industry-relevant skills. Employers can inspire the next generation and influence young people's subject and career decisions through initiatives such as: 

• Industry Talks and School Engagement – Businesses can work with schools and colleges to deliver talks, career fairs, and interactive workshops that highlight the real-world applications of various subjects.
• Work Experience and Placements – Offering structured work experience placements gives students a practical insight into different industries, helping them see the benefits of developing specific skills.
• Mentorship Programs – Establishing mentorship schemes allows young people to gain guidance from professionals, fostering career aspirations and helping them make informed decisions about their education and training.
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Check out the DYW Employer Hub for a range of ‘Get Started’ guides to support you in delivering class talks, career fairs, work experience, mentoring and more. Every quarter, DYW Scotland offers free employer training to help you get started. Visit our Training and Webinars page to book our next session on 6th May 2025.

Aligning Skills with Scottish Qualifications
The Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) recently launched a new campaign to highlight how young people can ‘get the skills employers are hungry for.’ Campaigns, such as this one, are vital in raising awareness of career pathways amongst young people, however, it is crucial that employers collaborate with schools, colleges, and universities to:

• Highlight Career Pathways – outlining how qualifications such as National 5s, Highers, Foundation Apprenticeships and Scottish Vocational Qualifications (SVQs), and more, relate to industry-specific skills and career progression.
• Offer Curriculum Support – working with educators to ensure course content remains relevant and incorporates industry needs, bridging the gap between education and employment.
• Influencing Subject Choices – by aligning subjects with specific roles, you can impact young people’s subject choices which can benefit your business or industry in the future.
• Work-based Learning Opportunities – offering work experience, placements and Foundation Apprenticeship opportunities enables young people to develop the skills that your business needs.

​Employers who wish to support curriculum development can contact their local DYW Regional Group to connect with schools in the area, or check out resources from SQA and SCQF to better understand how specific qualifications link to the skills they seek for their businesses.

Apprenticeships: A Key Solution to Skills Shortages
Apprenticeships provide a structured way for employers to train future employees while equipping them with the skills required for long-term success. The benefits of apprenticeships include:

• Hands-On Training – learning by doing, gaining valuable experience while working alongside industry professionals. Over 90% of modern apprenticeships positively rate the training provided.
• Tailored Skill Development – shaping apprenticeship programs to focus on the exact skills needed a specific business, ensuring apprentices develop competencies that align with industry demands. Over 90% of apprentice employers are small – medium sized businesses, and 83% of all employers report that having an apprentice results in higher productivity.
• Increased Employee Retention – investing in apprentices helps build a loyal workforce. 87% of those who complete a Modern Apprenticeship remain with the company after their training, therefore, reducing recruitment costs and ensuring a steady talent pipeline.

The above statistics are only a few of those highlighted on the Scottish Apprenticeship Week ‘Made for Business’ page. Scottish Apprenticeship Week takes place on 3rd – 7th March 2025, so there couldn’t be a better time to find out more about apprenticeship types and discover how taking on an apprentice could benefit your organisation. 
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There are different types of apprenticeships to suit your business’ current needs, from Foundation Apprenticeships – where school pupils come into the workplace 1 – 2 times per week – Modern Apprenticeships, and lastly Graduate Apprenticeships – which provide the opportunity to gain a degree whilst on the job. Find out more by visiting the Apprenticeships website or browse local Scottish Apprenticeship Week events.
 
Pledge to Invest in a Skilled Workforce
By getting involved in any of the activities mentioned above - whether that’s delivering a career talk, co-developing curriculum, offering an apprenticeship, or more – you will meet the criteria for becoming a Young Person’s Guarantee employer.
 

The Young Person’s Guarantee is a commitment to connect every 16-24 year old in Scotland to an opportunity, and there are many ways that you, as an employer, can get involved.

By pledging to support the Young Person’s Guarantee, you can gain recognition for your efforts to inspire young people, give back to your local community and become an employer of choice.

Check out the Young Person’s Guarantee Hub or contact your local DYW Regional Group to find out more.
 
Conclusion
By actively engaging young people, aligning industry needs with Scottish academic qualifications, and investing in apprenticeships, employers can play a crucial role in tackling Scotland’s skills shortages. A collaborative effort between businesses, educators, and policymakers is essential to building a skilled and resilient workforce for the future. Now is the time for employers to take action and ensure Scotland’s industries have the talent they need to thrive.