More than 50 business leaders interested in developing and supporting the future direction of Forth Valley’s young workforce attended 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 initiative 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 – hope to link with 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.
The Scottish Minister for Employability and Training, Jamie Hepburn MSP, delivered the keynote speech on the night and more than 150 guests, including more than 50 business owners and local employers, as well as 18 school ambassadors from Forth Valley secondary schools - attended the event between 5pm-8pm.
Forth Valley College staff and Modern Apprentices – Ellen Milne who works with INEOS and Stuart Edgar who works with WGM Engineering (pictured speaking with the Minister) – were also in attendance.
During the Get Involved session, young people asked businesses and partners a range of questions on a number of topics including: modern apprenticeships, equalities, entrepreneurship, volunteering, direct recruitment and work related learning.
In his speech the Minister focussed 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 Young People Jamie Hepburn said:
“It was great to attend the launch of 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. The evening had great input from local employers, young people and educators on a range of subjects. I would encourage employers in Forth Valley to get in touch with DYW Forth Valley on how they can help shape the region’s future workforce.”
Jen Henderson, DYW Forth Valley Programme Manager, said:
“We are delighted with the response to the launch event for the DYW Forth Valley Regional Group, both in terms of number of guests attending and level of engagement. From the feedback we received we hope it explained who we are, how we link with the Scottish Government’s Employment Strategy and why local business people should get involved in delivering activity to have a positive impact on the outcomes for both young people and businesses involved.
“The responses from the business leaders showcased existing good practice to develop the young workforce and encouraged employers to find out more about how to get involved. The insights made employers, schools and young people more aware of some of the ways in which they can support and be supported in developing the young people across the Forth Valley Region and to showcase resulting business benefits, regardless of size and company type.
“Developing the Young Workforce aims to better prepare young people for the world of work, through better, and more consistent exposure to employers and the workplace throughout their education. It will give 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. Our ambitions are to instigate and deliver a programme of activity and support towards the programme’s headline national aim of reducing youth unemployment by 40% by 2021.”
To find out more about DYW Forth Valley or how you can get involved please call 01259 726690, e-mail getinvolved@dyw.forthvalley.ac.uk or follow on Twitter @DYW_forthvalley