We aim to reduce youth unemployment.
Empowering Youth: DYW Tay Cities
Developing the Young Workforce Tay Cities is one of several regional DYW groups across Scotland. We help implement the Scottish Government DYW strategy and the Young Person’s Guarantee, with the aim of helping young people get the right skills and experiences to move from education into employment, and to ensure that every young person has the chance of training, an apprenticeship or a job when they leave education. We do this in a number of ways:
- Supporting industry links with education
- Preparing young people for the world of work
- Career inspiration activity
- Sector-specific programmes
- Industry-led teacher CLPL
- Events
- Campaigns
Meet The Team
Lesley English
Regional Lead
Lesley joined the DYW Tay Cities team as Regional Lead in January 2025. She manages the DYW Tay Cities team, in addition to creating the strategic plan and managing the budget for the year.
Lesley loves inspiring young people as they transition out of school. She is passionate about helping them reach their goals and firmly believes that DYW is instrumental in this process.
Vicky Cosgrove
Operations Manager
Vicky joined the DYW Tay Cities team as an Employer Liaison Officer in June 2024. She has since transitioned into the Operations Manager role.
Vicky has a background in Adult Employability at Dundee City Council, as a case manager and financial capability specialist.
After 13 years of working primarily with adults, Vicky is enjoying helping young people discover their post-school aspirations and reach their potential by providing various educational and work opportunities.
Natalie Marr
Employer Liaison Officer – Dundee
Natalie joined the DYW Tay Cities team as an Employer Liaison Officer in September 2024. She leads a team of school-based coordinators in Angus, fostering partnerships between employers and schools, enhancing youth opportunities through employer engagement, curriculum development, and career skills.
Natalie has spent more than 20 years working in the employability sector, where she’s taken on roles as a tutor, trainer, and employer liaison officer.
Natalie looks forward to continuing to inspire young people, showing them that there are many different paths to learning and exploring various career options. She’s also eager to engage with employers, stakeholders, and others to gain their insights and experiences, helping us better support and guide the next generation.
Keren Tait
Employer Liaison Officer – Angus
Keren joined the DYW Tay Cities team in May 2025 as an Employer Liaison Officer for Angus. Fostering partnerships between employers and schools, enhancing youth opportunities through employer engagement, curriculum development, and career skills.
Sharlene Tait
Website & Social Media Co Ordinator
Sharlene joined the DYW Tay Cities team as Website and Social Media Coordinator in June 2024. She is responsible for managing the DYW Tay Cities website, overseeing its social media presence, and driving email marketing campaigns.
Sharlene’s marketing career spans over nine years, her experience has equipped her with a strong understanding of digital marketing strategies, which she now applies to amplify the impactful work being done at DYW Tay Cities.
Sharlene is passionate about sharing the successes and positive impact that DYW Tay Cities is making with a wider audience.
Liz Edington
Employer Liaison Officer – Perth & Kinross
Liz joined DYW Tay Cities in August 2025.
Natalia Grestza
Business Administrator Modern Apprentice
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SCHOOL COORDINATORS
Each school within the Tay Cities region; Angus, Dundee, Perth, and Kinross, is assigned a dedicated school coordinator who plays a crucial role in connecting schools with local employers to help students transition smoothly into the workforce.
School coordinators collaborate with teachers and employers to organise and facilitate career-related events and skills workshops, ensuring that students gain practical experience and insights into various industries.
DYW Board Members
