New Term = New Opportunities for both Young People and Employers through DYW Argyll & Bute
The ‘Developing the Young Workforce’ (DYW) Argyll & Bute initiative plays a vital role in guiding young people into meaningful post-school destinations.
New Term = New Opportunities for both Young People and Employers through DYW Argyll & ButeIt achieves this through employer-led partnerships, tailored work placements, enhanced employability curricula, career events, and targeted support for vulnerable youth - all overseen by the DYW Regional Lead and school-based co-ordinators operating across secondary schools. Notably, the team has significantly expanded engagement - boosting employer involvement by nearly 70%, young-person participation by 411%, and delivering 250 additional activities across 2023–24.
These efforts helped raise the local Annual Participation Measure to 95.6%, positioning Argyll & Bute 9th highest among Scotland’s 32 local authorities.
Following this year’s exam results, where National 5 pass rates, Higher pass rates, and entries all rose, DYW’s work becomes even more important. Higher attainment opens up more routes for students, and DYW provides critical pathways - such as apprenticeships, placements, and career guidance - for those seeking alternatives or boost to employability.
The Business Breakfast in Campbeltown on the 7th August was a great success!
This informal morning gathering was a fantastic opportunity for local employers to meet the DYW Argyll & Bute team and the Campbeltown Grammar School DYW Co-ordinator Suzi Thomson, and hear more about how they are working to bridge the gap between school and the world of work for our young people. It was a great event and the team was delighted with the turnout.
Jane MacLeod’s comment: “As chair of DYW Argyll and Bute, I was delighted to take part in the Business Breakfast in Campbeltown when local employers were able to learn about the support offered to them by DYW and how we can help them diversify their workforce and recruit young people in their community. The Scottish Government has recognised for quite some time that employers should have the opportunity to contribute to the development of the school curriculum and also be encouraged to offer work experience to help our young people prepare for the world of work.
“The timing of the Business Breakfast was very appropriate, coming days after SQA results were announced and days before our young people returned to school. We are very grateful to the many Kintyre employers who came to the Breakfast and are prepared to support our young people with a view to strengthening our local economy, retaining our young people and encouraging young people to move into our rural communities.”
Scott McKinnon, DYW Regional Lead – Argyll & Bute, said: “I think the event was a great success and we were delighted with the turnout from the Campbeltown business community.
The purpose of the event was to highlight to employers that they can raise awareness of their organisation and inspire young people to consider careers in their industry, through working with DYW and engaging with local DYW School Co-ordinator, Suzi Thomson. They can Pledge their support and find out more here: Pledge your Support to DYW -DYW - Scotland.”
Why Invest in Young People?
• Understand the world of work and feel prepared to make choices for their next steps
• Discover how subjects, interests, strengths and skills relate to job roles
• Build networks and social capital, skills, confidence, knowledge and ideas for choices and next steps
Research tells us this has a positive impact on
• Exam Results
• Progression routes
• Earnings potential
How does this benefit employers?
• Earlier access to future talent, ease skills gaps and recruitment pressures
• Make a difference to the lives of young people including those who face the biggest challenges
• Connect with a diverse range of young people who can bring wider life experiences, new ideas and skills
• Feel connected to your local community, enhancing your profile as an employer of choice
• Meets your organisation’s social responsibilities
Research tells us this has a positive impact on
• Employee Engagement
• Motivation and productivity at work
Make the Pledge!
The DYW Pledge invites employers and partners across Scotland to commit to supporting young people as they step into the world of work. By completing an easy online form, organisations pledge to inspire, provide work-based opportunities, create inclusive fair workplaces, and advocate for DYW - benefiting both young Scots and the businesses themselves. After pledging, participants receive toolkits and regional support to help implement their commitment long-term.
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