DYW launches a simpler way for employers to show their support to young people through the Young Person’s Guarantee Pledge.

The Young Person's Guarantee, launched in 2020,    is a commitment to connect every   16 to 24 year old    in Scotland to an opportunity.     We have welcomed   and are   truly grateful  to the   hundreds of employers and partners to   date  joining this commitment and playing a vital role in creating opportunities for young people as they prepare for and take their first steps into the world of work.

Getting involved in the Young Person’s Guarantee not only benefits the young people of Scotland but benefits your business too.   Employers can build a workforce with the right skills and experience now and in the future and there are more benefits, including: 

• Gaining new ideas and insight from a generationally diverse team 
• Help with recruitment, retention and succession planning 
• Developing and motivating existing staff 
• Raising awareness of your industry and organisation 

The great news is, we have just made it even easier to get involved.  The Young Person’s Guarantee has shifted from being based around 5 ASKS to a simple Pledge of support. 
 
Organisations of all sizes and from all sectors can get involved, there is no need to pledge to all areas of support. Your pledge is built around creating opportunities for young people and is focused on:   

• Preparing  young people for the world of work 

• Investing in a skilled workforce  
• Creating an inclusive and fair workplace 
• Being a Champion for the Young Person’s   Guarantee
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We also offer a toolkit and support through our Regional DYW network which will help you plan and develop the ways in which you can engage and benefit now and in the future.
 
Let’s dive into these areas of support a little more.
 
Prepare all young people for the world of work 
Could you inspire pupils, college students and young people looking for work to gain the skills they need for the workplace and help all young people achieve their potential. Some young people face more barriers to getting and keeping a job. Offering a variety of opportunities can change lives. Offering work placements and mock interviews are helpful to young people. Industry insights and awareness sessions, help with applying for jobs and work tasters are very useful. Mentoring is also an option, and work placements can offer vital experience.  You can visit schools to talk about your business or even support a Foundation Apprentice.
 
This could benefit your business in many ways, including: 

• increased business profile within the community 
• earlier access to future talent 

• the opportunity to develop and motivate your existing staff 
• increased awareness of your industry and organisation 
• meeting your corporate social responsibility 
• supporting the curriculum to be industry relevant  
• support and develop your diversity and inclusion strategy 

• improved staff engagement and retention 
• competitive advantage within your industry 
• positive workplace culture 

 
Invest in a skilled workforce 
Creating jobs through local job creation programmes and providing work-based learning and training for young people is a great way to develop your business. Upskilling your workforce is an investment in the future. You could consider offering a Modern Apprenticeship or Graduate Apprenticeship. This can ensure you have people in place, learning the skills you need.
 
Benefits to your business may include: 

• a skilled workforce for now and in the future 
• unlocked potential 
• increased loyalty 

• fewer skills gaps 
• train and mould new talent 
• support succession planning 
• gain new ideas and insight from a generationally diverse team 
• improve diverse practices and brand awareness 

 
Create an inclusive and fair workplace 
Fair work is about creating meaningful, sustainable jobs and opportunities. Employers should support these opportunities with training packages. Equality, inclusion and working to end discrimination are central to the Young Person's Guarantee.  You could make sure you pay the Living Wage, recognise trade unions and address the gender pay gap.
 
Benefits to your business may include: 

• help with recruitment, retention and succession planning 

• creating a workforce who feel valued 
• becoming an employer of choice 

 
Be a champion for the Young People Persons Guarantee   
Your pledge is valued by young people and being a champion for the Guarantee can be more than creating opportunities. Sharing your experiences and advocating on behalf of the Young Person’s Guarantee through Developing the Young Workforce helps increase pledges and the opportunities for young people.  Can you help us share your experiences and get others involved? 
 
Benefits to your business may include: 

• becoming an employer of choice 
• leading from the front on what matters in our economy and communities  
• increased awareness of your industry and organisation 

 
How to pledge your support:  
It’s easy to tell us and young people that you pledge your support. You can chat with one of our DYW Regional Groups  or complete the short pledge form   letting us know and we’ll be in touch.
 
Once you pledge your support you are part of our network of pledge partners and there is no need to renew on a yearly basis.    You will receive a guidance to help you deliver and share your pledge and the DYW Regional teams are on hand to offer support too.  We let young people and our whole network of employers and partners know you support the Young Person’s Guarantee.  
 
If you have previously signed up to the Young Person’s Guarantee, thank you for your continued support, we will be in touch shortly to advise on updating to the Young Person’s Guarantee Pledge.  
    
We look forward to working with you to create more opportunities for the young people and organisations of Scotland to thrive.   To learn more, visit the new Young Person's Guarantee Hub. ​