Building Futures, Close to Home - DYW
Sponsored by Developing the Young Workforce Argyll & Bute
Across Argyll and Bute, from island schools to town workshops, young people are getting the chance to try out their future. Thanks to Developing the Young Workforce (DYW), those first steps into employment, enterprise and further education are becoming more connected, confident and local than ever before.
DYW’s mission is straightforward but powerful: bring schools and employers together so young people can build real skills, explore careers and imagine themselves in work that matters. It’s about turning possibility into purpose - and showing that opportunity doesn’t need to mean leaving home.
Confidence first
Teachers often say confidence is the first skill any pupil needs, and that’s where DYW begins. A workplace visit becomes a conversation; a mock interview becomes the moment a young person realises they have something to offer.
For some, it’s a boost. For others - especially those who’ve found school difficult - it’s the turning point that changes how they see themselves.
Flexible Learning Plans (FLPs) are one of DYW’s quiet success stories. They mix time in school with tailored time out - on placements with employers, in workshops or college. Each plan is shaped around the individual, building both confidence and direction. Many pupils on FLPs go on to employment or apprenticeships with their placement employers, proving that flexible learning can lead to firm futures.
Flexible Learning Plans (FLPs) are one of DYW’s quiet success stories. They mix time in school with tailored time out - on placements with employers, in workshops or college. Each plan is shaped around the individual, building both confidence and direction. Many pupils on FLPs go on to employment or apprenticeships with their placement employers, proving that flexible learning can lead to firm futures.
Opportunities rooted in place
DYW works best when it reflects the communities it serves. That’s why programmes like the Barista Skills qualification have taken off across Argyll and Bute - practical, accredited training that leads directly to local jobs in hospitality and tourism.
The focus is always on real connections: employers offering meaningful placements, schools embedding employability across the curriculum, and young people discovering what’s possible on their doorstep.
The focus is always on real connections: employers offering meaningful placements, schools embedding employability across the curriculum, and young people discovering what’s possible on their doorstep.
Enterprise begins early
At this year’s DYW Conference in Helensburgh, pupils stepped up as innovators. A Dragons’ Den-style challenge saw teams from across the region pitch projects that tackled real community needs - from youth cafés to market gardens. Their ideas were ambitious, creative and full of local pride.
As one delegate said: “Enterprise here isn’t just about business - it’s about belonging.”
Support that changes lives
Not every journey is smooth. Some young people face barriers that make transition to adulthood more difficult - health, care experience, distance, or confidence.
DYW’s coordinators work closely with schools and partners to identify those most at risk and walk alongside them. Small, consistent steps make the difference: workplace visits, mentoring, volunteering, or even a single positive placement that helps a young person believe in their own ability.
It’s slow, patient work, but it transforms lives.
Sustaining ambition
Argyll and Bute continues to sit among Scotland’s top ten councils for youth participation, with 94.3% of 16-19-year-olds in a positive destination - education, employment or training. But DYW’s ambition goes further than numbers. The goal is a community where every young person, no matter their background, can see a pathway for themselves. That means earlier guidance, stronger employer partnerships, and stability for the DYW team itself - ensuring their work continues beyond current government funding in 2027.
As DYW Regional Lead Scott Mackinnon put it, “Our job isn’t to make statistics look good - it’s to make lives look possible.”
“Flexible learning can lead to firm futures."
What success looks like
It’s the pupil who dreaded Mondays asking for extra shifts on their placement. The young person who tries a college taster day and comes back with a plan. The employer who thought they were too small to help, now mentoring their second apprentice.
Every success story is personal - but together they’re shaping a stronger, more hopeful Argyll and Bute.
Every success story is personal - but together they’re shaping a stronger, more hopeful Argyll and Bute.
“Our job isn’t to make statistics look good - it’s to make lives look possible.”
DYW in Numbers (2024–25)
5,831 young people engaged - up 24%
628 DYW-led activities across schools
469 work placements delivered
80 Foundation and 39 Modern Apprenticeships completed
243 young people given targeted support
50 Flexible Learning Plans supporting re-engagement
Looking ahead
DYW’s work proves that when opportunity and confidence meet, young people thrive - and so do communities. As Argyll and Bute looks to the future, DYW will keep opening doors, raising aspirations and making sure every young person has the chance to step through.
“Enterprise here isn’t just about business - it’s about belonging.”
Amy’s Modern Apprenticeship journey - a recipe for success.
Amy left school in sixth year unsure about what she wanted to do. She took up employment with local Café The Blairmore, near Dunoon. Amy was looking for a role that would challenge her and develop her skills and knowledge. A Modern Apprenticeship was a no brainer! And after some support from DYW Argyll & Bute, Amy undertook the “Business and Administration Level 5” Apprenticeship with UHI Argyll. Amy said:
“When I left school, I wasn’t sure what direction to take — but I knew I wanted to grow. With support from DYW Argyll & Bute, I found a Modern Apprenticeship that challenged me, helped me build new skills, and gave me a real sense of purpose in my career.”
Sponsored by Developing the Young Workforce Argyll & Bute
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Latest News
JOBS
Administrator - DM Hall
ObanSalary On Application
Admin Officer - Payroll & Pensions - ARB17414 - Argyll and Bute Council
PA28 6SY£34,545 to £37,465 per annum
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