DYW Argyll & Bute launches 'Find your Future in Argyll Week' 24th – 28th February 2025
Argyll and Bute is brimming with diverse and rewarding career paths for young people leaving school. From February 24th to 28th, Developing the Young Workforce (DYW) Argyll and Bute is sponsoring ’Find your Future in Argyll Week’, shining a spotlight on the hundreds of career opportunities available right here at home and encouraging young people to explore their potential while contributing to the region’s vibrant future.
“Argyll and Bute is a great place to live and work with many opportunities with industries you may never have realised are on your doorstep,” said Scott McKinnon, DYW Regional Lead for Argyll and Bute.
Supporting young people to prepare for the world of work.
Funded by the Scottish government, the initiative, delivered by the Council and coordinated by DYW Argyll & Bute, highlights opportunities available to young people. It equips them to make positive career choices and links them up with local employers- a win for young people, businesses and the economy. They are part of Scotland’s national network of dedicated part-time School Coordinators linking business and education, with a team of four DYW School Coordinators placed in schools across Argyll and the Isles.
DYW Argyll & Bute's 'Find Your Future in Argyll Week' (Feb 24–28) showcases local career opportunities, from tourism to renewable energy, helping young people explore diverse paths while staying in the region and contributing to its vibrant futureHow does it work?
The DYW coordinators work closely with schools to identify young people with the greatest barriers to entering work and the wide range of pathways, including further education, volunteering and training available to them.
Students can access DYW services by talking to the guidance staff at their school. Then the area DYW coordinator will work with the school and potential employers to match the student’s interests and the needs of the business. They could create a bespoke timetable that may allow the student to divide their time between school and work.
“The DYW School Coordinators have been working extremely hard to increase the number of school-employer partnerships over the last few years,” said Scott McKinnon, DYW Regional Lead for Argyll and Bute. “We are seeing employers across Argyll and Bute skills stepping up to offer skills sessions, career talks, work placements, mentoring and attending careers events. No matter what size your business is, there are many ways to get involved and DYW will help you find the right one for you.”
For a young person, engaging with employers through DYW can help you to understand the world of work and feel better prepared to make choices for your next steps.
“We work closely with schools to help you build networks, skills, confidence, knowledge and ideas for choices for your next steps, whatever that looks like for you,” Scott said.
A world of careers at home
Sectors such as tourism, forestry, aquaculture, aggregates, public service, childcare, health and beauty, marine sciences, renewable energy and creative arts are not just providing jobs. They offer diverse and fulfilling career paths suited to a range of skills and interests. By engaging with employers in Argyll and Bute through DYW, young people can develop skills tailored to these exciting industries that thrive in the area. Highlighting just some of the career opportunities available locally:
Your passport to success
Tourism, a cornerstone of the Argyll and Bute economy, offers a wide spectrum of roles, from hospitality and event management to guiding and outdoor adventure activities. The region’s natural beauty attracts visitors from around the globe, creating a demand for skilled professionals across various levels.
The future is green
The thriving forestry sector provides chances for careers in arboriculture, forestry management and timber processing. With a focus on sustainable practices, this industry offers young people the chance to contribute to environmental stewardship while building a rewarding career.
Work Experience at Tilhill Forestry - watch the video...
Feeding the next generation
Aquaculture is the largest sector in Scotland’s marine economy and is experiencing significant growth, offering opportunities in fish farming, processing and research. This sector provides a dynamic environment for young people interested in science, technology and sustainable food production.
Powering the future
The burgeoning renewable energy sector, driven by the region’s abundant natural resources, presents opportunities in engineering, maintenance and project management, offering a path to a future involved in one of the most important issues of our time- combating climate change.
Check out the video -
Renewable Parts supports young people in the workplace
Finding your muse
The creative arts thrive in Argyll and Bute’s inspirational backdrop, and this presents unique opportunities for young artists, designers, podcasters, writers and musicians. The potential to build a career while deeply immersed in creatively interpreting the stunning beauty of the area offers a rare and highly desirable lifestyle.
The foundation of everything
The aggregate industry offers a surprisingly rewarding career path. It’s the foundation of construction, providing essential materials for roads, buildings and infrastructure. You’ll contribute to tangible projects, witness the impact of your work and enjoy stable employment with opportunities for advancement. Plus, it often involves hands-on experiences and a variety of roles.
Invest in Youth, Invest in Our Future
Keeping young talent within Argyll and Bute is not merely a matter of economic strategy. It’s necessary for the region’s social fabric and overall vitality. The exodus of young people to larger cities can result in a loss of energy, innovation and fresh perspectives and an aging demographic poses further challenges. By retaining local talent, Argyll and Bute ensures the continuity of its communities, preserving local traditions while embracing new ideas. Young people choosing to stay offer an injection of fresh thinking, helping traditional industries adapt and evolve in a rapidly changing world.
Rooted in the community
The benefits of young people staying local extend beyond economic contributions. It offers a unique quality of life and the ability to live close to family and friends. Argyll and Bute offers a compelling alternative to the often-stressful pace of urban life. The breathtaking landscape, strong sense of community and opportunities for outdoor recreation allow workers to thrive both professionally and personally.
The DYW Pledge for employers - Young Person’s Guarantee
The DYW Pledge is an opportunity to connect every 16 to 24 year old in Scotland to a positive destination. This could be a job, apprenticeship, further or higher education, training or volunteering, or an enterprise opportunity. For young people, this is a chance to find and prepare for their future careers. For employers, it is a way to build a workforce with the right skills and experience. Signing the pledge form allows employers and partners of all types and sizes to choose how to get involved. It’s easy, you can pledge your support to one or more of the areas noted and there is no need to renew on a yearly basis.
Could you offer the type of experience that some other local employers offered?
A case study
Glensanda is the largest granite quarry in Europe and the flagship site for Aggregate Industries. Harbour Master Ian Henry has been working with DYW to support local young people like Cameron Harris to explore career opportunities in the industry.
“Things happen all the time at Glensanda and that means you have to adapt, you have to think on your feet, you have to be prepared,” Henry said. We like people that are prepared to work as part of a team. There are a lot of different skills and qualifications needed to make a place like Glensanda run. It’s an exciting place to work, and it’s a place where you’ll never be bored. Come in learn about the place, learn what part you can play in moving the place forward- the sky is the limit.”
“I’ve always been interested in engineering but this is a hands on practical experience that is hard to get by yourself,” said Cameron. “It’s opened my eyes to the different sides of engineering that I had not considered, such as welding. It gives you that extra experience, and those wee skills are always going to be there. Everyone here at Glensanda was really helpful. I think if you’re considering trying it, the whole experience is really good, from the interview to doing the job.”
Check out this video for extra inspiration from Glensanda Quarry -
Let’s make a difference to the future of Argyll’s young people – and our industries – together!
EMPLOYERS:
Sign up to the DYW Pledge form to connect with your local DYW Coordinator.
YOUNG PEOPLE:
Ask your teacher to speak with you DYW Coordinator to talk about building
your skills and confidence for the world of work. Click HERE for details on how to connect.
T: 01546 604119
E: dyw@argyll-bute.gov.uk
W: www.dyw.scot/dywargyllandbute
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