One of the most valuable (and often overlooked) pathways is through volunteering and service-based experiences during school years. When young people take part in planning events, supporting their communities, or leading initiatives, they are gaining hands-on experiences that closely mirror real workplace dynamics. Volunteering in Action: The Macmillan Month Example Alva Academy’s annual Macmillan Month provides a clear example of this in practice. Each September, students—particularly those in S6—lead a month-long programme of fundraising activities in support of Macmillan Cancer Support. These events include quizzes, car washes, sports matches, raffles, and culminate in a large-scale coffee morning involving the local community. Students are responsible for planning, promotion, logistics, and delivery. They manage stalls, communicate with customers, handle money, and solve unexpected problems on the day. One S6 pupil reflected: “I feel that Macmillan has improved my ability to work under pressure because we had to work in high-pressure situations when running the competition for the public and other year groups.” These real-life experiences teach time management, leadership, creative thinking, and customer service—skills that are not only transferable but directly applicable to modern work environments. How Employers Can Support and Benefit There are several ways employers can actively support service-based learning and make use of the skills it cultivates: Recognise Volunteering as Experience When recruiting, treat voluntary roles as valuable experiences. Ask candidates about their involvement, the outcomes of their activities, and the lessons learned. Engage with Local Schools and Youth Programmes Building partnerships with schools allows employers to contribute directly to the development of future talent. Consider offering mentorship, participating in enterprise challenges, or supporting fundraising events. Use Interviews to Explore Transferable Skills Interview questions that prompt candidates to discuss team projects, conflict resolution, or customer interaction can draw out insights from volunteering experiences, not just formal employment. Champion a Culture of Service Support staff volunteering programmes or community engagement initiatives. These reinforce the value of service internally and signal to young people that your organisation aligns with the values they are developing. A smarter way to spot future talent Volunteering provides young people with the chance to gain real-world experience, develop essential soft skills, and discover their strengths. As employers, recognising and supporting these opportunities is a smart investment in future talent. By engaging now, you help shape confident, capable individuals who are better prepared for the world of work—and ready to make a difference. If you're an employer looking to future-proof your workforce, start by recognising and supporting the kinds of experiences that build real skills.
To explore how your organisation can get involved in shaping Scotland’s future workforce, visit: Developing the Young Workforce (DYW) Comments are closed.
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