Developing the Young Workforce highlights the role of employer engagement in tackling youth unemployment

Evidence from delivery

DYW’s experience on the ground consistently shows that structured, workbased activity helps reduce barriers for both young people and employers. Evidence from national and regional programmes demonstrates that opportunities such as work tasters, mentoring, and employerled projects increase young people’s understanding of the workplace, build confidence and develop practical and transferable skills.

One example is DYW’s Argyll & Bute sponsorship of the Barista Skills programme, currently delivered across seven Secondary Schools at present, with further schools preparing to offer this in the next academic year. By developing practical customer service skills, confidence, teamwork and industry specific experience, the programme helps prepare young people for roles in cafés, hotels, restaurants, visitor attractions and retail - sectors that consistently report recruitment challenges locally. As a result, the programme not only enhances learners’ employability but also contributes to strengthening the future workforce in key local industries. 

This approach also benefits employers by reducing the perceived risk of engagement, allowing them to introduce young people to their workplace in a supported and proportionate way, and helping to build future talent pipelines.

Sandy Begbie CBE, Chair of the DYW Employers Forum and Chief Executive of Scottish Financial Enterprise (SFE), said:
“Employers across Scotland are committed to playing an active role in supporting young people into work. Through Developing the Young Workforce, employers are already working with schools and partners to provide meaningful, practical experiences that help young people build confidence, develop skills and make informed decisions about their future. What matters most is continuing to focus on what works – supporting both young people and employers to engage in ways that are sustainable and effective.”

Employer commitment across Scotland

Employers across Scotland continue to demonstrate a strong commitment to supporting young people, even in a challenging labour market. Through DYW, employers of all sizes and sectors are contributing time, expertise and opportunities – from careers talks and mentoring through to workbased learning, apprenticeships and entrylevel roles.

This collective effort reflects a shared understanding that early, positive exposure to the world of work is essential in helping young people navigate key transition points, particularly from education into employment, training or further learning.

Scotland is well placed to build on what works

Scotland has established a strong infrastructure for employer engagement in education through Developing the Young Workforce. With regional groups embedded in local labour markets and connected nationally, DYW is able to respond to local needs while contributing to shared national priorities.

DYW believes the challenge now is to protect, strengthen and scale approaches that are proven to work – ensuring young people continue to access meaningful opportunities, and employers continue to be supported to engage in ways that are effective and sustainable. 

As conversations continue at a national level about youth employment, DYW will remain focused on sharing evidence from practice, supporting employers to play their part, and working collaboratively with partners to help young people develop the skills and confidence they need to succeed.

For more information, visit www.dyw.scot

Telephone : 01546 604119

Email : dyw@argyll-bute.gov.uk