Young Person’s Guarantee – future-proofing the workforce

Could you help provide opportunities for young people across Dundee and Angus? As part of Scotland’s response to COVID-19 economic recovery, Young Person’s Guarantee was launched in November 2020. It aims to give all young people, aged 16-24 in Scotland, the chance to succeed through the opportunity of a job, apprenticeship, education, training or volunteering. For employers, it offers help to develop a future pipeline of skills and experience, with young people at the heart of the workforce. Young people bring organisations a wealth of talent, creativity, and enthusiasm, critical now and for future success. Employers of all sizes and across all sectors can get involved with Young Person’s Guarantee in up to 5 ways:Prepare young people for the world of workCreate opportunities for young people who face the greatest barriers to workInvest in a skilled workforce through apprenticeships, training and upskilling opportunitiesCreate jobs and opportunities suitable for 16-24 year oldsEnsure a work environment which supports all young people and provides fair work The Developing the Young Workforce (DYW) team in Dundee and Angus can advise businesses on how they can get involved. Hilary Roberts, who leads the team said, “We are delighted to be helping businesses to sign up to the Young Person’s Guarantee. Everyone can get involved whether that be inspiring young people still at school about a future career in your industry, offering work experience or taking on an apprentice. Meeting one of the team for a chat gives you the opportunity to work out what is best for your business, and we can help you go through the whole process.” Alison Henderson, CEO of Dundee & Angus Chamber of Commerce and Interim Chair of DYW Dundee & Angus added, “At DACC we are great supporters of giving opportunities to young people. We have recently recruited new members of staff through Kickstart, and for the second year running our Foundation Apprentice has been offered a permanent post in the team. It is not only very satisfying watching a young person reach their potential, but it’s also good for us as an organisation to have the insights and different focus that young people can bring to the team. I can’t recommend it highly enough.” Whether you currently provide opportunities for young people, or you’d like to start getting involved, there are options available, and the DYW team can provide more information and support. Contact the team by emailing contact@dywtaycities.co.uk and they will be happy to meet with you.