Investing in Young People: More Important Than Ever

As businesses across the UK grapple with rising costs, there is growing concern that opportunities for young people entering the workforce may decline. However, investing in young talent is not just an ethical choice – it’s a strategic one. Developing the Young Workforce (DYW) urges businesses to continue supporting young people by equipping them with the skills they need and opening doors to apprenticeships and traineeships. 

DYW is also keen to understand how businesses are adapting to financial pressures while continuing to invest in young talent. If your organisation is making strategic decisions to balance costs while supporting workforce development, we want to hear from you. 

​Helping Young People Stand Out in a Competitive Job Market 
In an evolving job market, young people need the right skills and experiences to stand out to employers. Research highlights that young people are acutely aware of employment challenges, with many expressing concerns about barriers to securing work. 
A 2023 Skills Development Scotland report on Young People’s Career Ambitions found that: 

• 44% of young people worried about lacking work experience. 
• 30% felt they did not have the right skills. 
• 36% perceived high competition as a barrier. 
• 32% believed there were not enough jobs available to them. 
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Through DYW, employers can connect with young people in schools and colleges to raise awareness of career opportunities while fostering critical skills such as digital literacy, problem-solving, adaptability, and communication. Employers can get involved by delivering class talks, mentoring, running employability skills sessions, offering work experience, or providing apprenticeships. 

Visit the DYW Employer Hub for a range of 'Get Started' guides on how to engage with Scotland’s future workforce. 
 
Growth Industries & Opportunities to Connect with Young People 
Scotland’s workforce is projected to grow by 1.9% by 2027 and by 1.2% between 2027-2034, with several industries exceeding this national average: 
 
Construction 
Infrastructure development and housing will continue to be critical as Scotland’s population grows. According to Skills Development Scotland’s Construction Sectoral Skills Assessment, construction employment is expected to rise by 2.8% before 2027 and 4.5% between 2027-2034. 
DYW supports construction employers through initiatives such as Build Your Future and Construction Work Tasters, helping businesses inspire young talent and challenge stereotypes within the sector. 
 
Digital Technologies 
The demand for digital skills continues to surge, with cybersecurity, software development, and data analysis leading the way. According to Skills Development Scotland’s Digital Technologies Sectoral Skills Assessment, the sector is expected to grow by 3.7% before 2027 and 1.8% between 2027-2034. 
Visit DYW Scotland’s Digital Technologies page for resources and activities to help inspire the next generation of digital workers.
 
Green Jobs 
Scotland’s transition to net zero is generating opportunities in wind energy, hydrogen, and sustainable infrastructure. While job projections vary, the Warwick Institute for Employment Research highlights that net zero will not only create new jobs but also reshape existing roles. 
DYW’s My Climate Path programme offers Climate Heroes and My Fashion Path, providing employers with a platform to showcase the skills needed for Scotland’s green economy. 
 
Health & Social Care 
With Scotland’s ageing population, the need for young professionals in nursing, care, and medical support roles is increasing. The healthcare workforce is projected to grow by 2.4% by 2027 and 5.2% between 2027-2034, while social care is expected to grow by 2.4% and 5.1% respectively. 
 
Why Employers Should Continue to Invest in Young People 
Future-Proofing Your Business 
Despite rising costs, long-term workforce planning remains crucial. An ageing workforce, labour shortages, and ongoing recruitment challenges highlight the importance of nurturing young talent. Businesses that engage with initiatives like DYW and invest in apprenticeships contribute to a resilient and competitive workforce. 

Sandy Begbie, Chair of the DYW Employer Forum, states: “As we know, high performing economies have excellent skills and education systems, and the need for young skilled people has never been greater. Investing in young people and nurturing talent should also be front of mind for all Scottish business, as establishing the skills of the long-term work force remains vital. Equipping young people with the skills needed will empower the next generation of leaders across the UK.  

“At DYW, we can connect employers with young people to raise awareness of career opportunities while fostering crucial skills in digital literacy, problem-solving, adaptability, and communication. I would urge employers to get involved by running employability skills sessions, offering work experience, or providing apprenticeships.” 
 
Financial Incentives for Employers 
Did you know that employers don’t pay National Insurance contributions for apprentices? Recent changes in contribution rates and thresholds offer even greater incentives to develop talent through apprenticeships at all levels, from entry-level to Graduate Apprenticeships. 

Find out more at apprenticeships.scot. 
 
Get Involved 
Employers looking to attract and develop young talent should contact DYW Scotland or their local DYW Regional Group to explore ways to connect with Scotland’s future workforce. 

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