Through 2021/22, 3,374 employers offered work experience, 6,397 employers offered work inspiration/preparation activities and 380 employers offered volunteering opportunities. Altogether, over 195,000 employer-young people interactions were delivered, with nearly 20,000 young people with protected characteristics supported. The introduction of DYW Coordinators in mainstream secondary schools across Scotland has been a driving factor in delivering this activity.
Under each of those headlines is a story of a young person who has benefited from DYW opportunities. These are the stories that count, DYW is making a material difference to their futures. It is a time for reflection and looking forward. The Government has recently published two key pieces of work that we must now actively work towards supporting – “Best Start, Bright Futures”, the tackling child poverty delivery plan and the National Strategy for Economic Transformation. Building on the strong foundations of the DYW network, we want to engage in a conversation so that we are clear what added value DYW can bring to achieve these ambitions. Through the unique employer relationships and stimulation of positive pathways in schools, DYW can support Scotland in becoming a world-class entrepreneurial nation, to meet just transition targets and boost productivity and innovation across regions. Ultimately supporting ambitions to create a fairer, healthier and greener economy. Jamie Hepburn, Minister for Higher Education, Further Education and Youth Employment said; ‘We know that the information and support that young people receive as they prepare for the world of work has a lasting impact on their individual outcomes as well as the success of our economy. That is why, by sharpening the focus on those who face additional barriers and supporting each and every young person to achieve their potential, should be our aim. Some of those young people will require additional and tailored support – evidence shows us that the more interactions they have with employers the greater their chances are of gaining and sustaining a positive outcome. That is our mission. I am clear however that we cannot do this alone. The work of our partners in education and the wider skills system as well as the third sector play a crucial role in providing the holistic support a young person might need. Sandy’s vision for the Young Person’s Guarantee was that there should be “no wrong door”. We must strive to make that a reality and truly hide the wiring – particularly for those who don’t have parental networks to help them navigate what can seem a complicated landscape. By effectively collaborating and putting young people at the heart of our work we can strive to make meaningful and lasting change for all young people, especially those who need our support.’ On behalf of the network, thank you again to all of our partners for your continued support, we look forward to working together through this new academic year and beyond. If you are an employer and would like to find out about how you can get involved with DYW click here. Comments are closed.
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