Whilst the Recruitment and Employment Confederation suggests that up to 70% of employers report a shortage of workers, according to Skills Development Scotland’s study on Young People’s Career Ambitions, 32% of young people perceive a lack of job opportunities. Such conflicting views suggest a skills gap or lack of communication around opportunities and how young people’s skills may apply to the world of work. SDS’ study also revealed that 34% of young people worried about not having the right qualifications, however, it appears that employers are looking for more than grades as according to the British Council, a lack of soft-skills could be the missing ingredient for young people seeking employment. Soft skills, according to Indeed, include communication; teamwork; problem-solving; dependability; critical thinking; positive attitude; organisation; creativity; adaptability; and conflict resolution - very closely related to what we call meta skills in Scotland. Skills Development Scotland defines meta skills as: "…innate, timeless, higher-order skills. They help humans become adaptable and successful, whatever the future brings. As technology evolves, meta-skills will make sure human workers remain essential and irreplaceable." With SDS revealing that 36% of young people believe there is too much competition for jobs, and as many as 47% not having enough confidence to apply, how can DYW connect employers with education to empower young people by raising awareness of their skills, and how to articulate them throughout their job applications? CV Writing & Mock Interview Sessions During the application process, young people can show effective communication and organisational skills, alongside a positive attitude through writing their CVs and cover letters in a positive and professional tone, whilst implementing clear formatting. Not only that, young people can use previous experiences in education and employment to highlight their critical thinking, creativity, adaptability and conflict resolution skills. By showing up to the interview on time, dependability can also be somewhat demonstrated. In the last academic year, many of DYW’s twenty regional groups offered sessions to help young people consider their skills and how they may apply to the world of work, through CV writing and mock interview sessions. As part of their 2024 ‘Meaningful May’ programme, DYW Moray brought together over a dozen employers to support S3-S6 pupils with protected characteristics, to aid long-term goals of reducing child poverty by supporting pupils who had highest risk of not finding a positive post-school destination. Through workplace visits, pupils learned about possible career paths and opportunities available, and through CV writing and interview preparation sessions, the pupils improved their prospects and gained confidence in applying for jobs in the future. Working with numerous employers across various sectors, DYW Shetland collated 32 job offers – some real, some purposely developed for the activity - in December 2023, for young people to apply to. After writing their CVs, S4 pupils received feedback and submitted their final versions to apply for job adverts of their choice. Employers then held mock interviews for candidates, providing pupils with feedback to help them throughout future application processes. This activity provided pupils with insight to job roles and application processes across a range of organisations and sectors, showing how skill requirements may differ depending on the role, sector and organisation. In October 2023, over 70 young people aged 16-24 - who had already left school – attended DYW Tay Cities’ ‘Journey to Work’ event. Designed to increase chances of employment, the event included mock interviews - providing young people with constructive feedback to help them in future interviews. The event also raised awareness of how young people may consider dressing for professional environments, alongside skills workshops designed to increase confidence, raise awareness of multiple pathways; and a mini careers fair, providing attendees with the opportunity to network with employers. Other Employability Skills Sessions Whilst many employability skills sessions focus mainly on CV writing and interview preparation, some employers and DYW Regional Groups collaborate to deliver events tailored to specific pathways. In September 2023, DYW Inverness & Central Highland held an event to raise awareness of apprenticeships. At the event, young people participated in a mock practical assessment to gain insight into what such may entail, alongside a group interview which focused on assessing and increasing communication skills. Other examples of employability skill sessions with a specific focus include DYW Argyll & Bute’s skills workshop in November 2023, which was targeted towards young people interested in joining the police force. At this event, young people were able to talk with police officers to ask questions, learn more about the job and its required skills. Why Get Involved in an Employability Session, and How? The British Council reports that Gen-Z are the most educated generation, and they will make up nearly a third of the workforce by 2025. Young people born in the Gen-Z timeframe clearly have a lot of potential and employers can help boost, and align this potential to our economy and skills needs by getting involved in DYW activity. DYW can provide employers with the opportunity and support needed to deliver employability sessions. Check out our ‘Get Started with Employability Skills’ guide to learn more. If you feel inspired to inspire and empower young people, whilst benefitting your future workforce, get in touch with your local DYW Regional Group or contact DYW Scotland if you operate nationally. Comments are closed.
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