Business leaders interested in developing and supporting the future direction of Forth Valley’s young workforce are invited to attend the official launch of Forth Valley’s Developing the Young Workforce Regional Group at the Falkirk Wheel on Tuesday 31 January.
Developing the Young Workforce (DYW) Forth Valley – a new and inspirational organisation which aims to help business, education and training sectors develop a dynamic and cohesive partnership approach to the employment challenges facing young people in this area – want to hear from business owners and professionals who feel they can help them link with the Scottish Government’s Youth Employment Strategy, to reinvigorate Forth Valley’s young workforce.
Business owners and local employers are encouraged to attend the event between 5pm-8pm, where the Scottish Minister for Employability and Training, Jamie Hepburn MSP, will be delivering the keynote speech. He will be focussing on national progress due to a partnership effort between the Scottish Government, local government, Scotland’s employers and many other partners across the education and training system, and plans to expand these opportunities for young people.
Minister for Employability and Training Jamie Hepburn said:
“I’m delighted to launch Developing the Young Workforce (DYW) Forth Valley which will help to drive forward the creation of a world class vocational education system to reduce youth unemployment in the area. Scotland now has the second lowest youth unemployment rate in the EU, but we need to keep up the pressure to ensure our young people get the opportunities they need and deserve.
“I would encourage businesses to take time to find out more about DYW Forth Valley so they can understand the crucial role they can play bridging the gap between education and industry
“The work of organisations like this will mean even more people and employers will be able to benefit from work based learning and apprenticeships.”
Jen Henderson, DYW Forth Valley Programme Manager, said:
“The DYW Forth Valley launch event will explain who we are, how we link with the Scottish Government’s Employment Strategy and why local business people should get involved.
“It will be an opportunity for us to showcase existing good practice from businesses, education and partners across Forth Valley and to encourage employers to get involved. Developing the Young Workforce aims to better prepare young people for the world of work, giving them the skills, experiences and qualifications they need to move to positive destinations after school, and make informed choices about the jobs and careers they want to pursue. Indeed the programme’s headline national aim is to reduce youth unemployment by 40% by 2021.
“We feel it is vitally important for this to be done in a coordinated and professional manner and our local approach will be key to this. Please join us at the Falkirk Wheel to find out more about how you can get involved.”
To register for this free event or to find out how you can get involved please call 01259 726690, e-mail getinvolved@dyw.forthvalley.ac.uk or follow on Twitter @DYW_forthvalley