Developing the Young Workforce (DYW) is a seven-year programme (2014-2021) that aims to reduce youth unemployment by 40%. It complements the foundations already established by the Curriculum for Excellence and aims to better prepare pupils for the world of work.
The Youth Employability Strategy sets out ambitious objectives and recommendations that challenges schools, colleges and employers to engage with DYW in order to bring about effective long-lasting change to benefit the young people of Scotland. Some of the key areas of focus are:
- Establishing and maintaining stronger partnerships between schools and employers
- Embedding meaningful and impactful employer engagement
- Providing early and relevant careers advice to allow learners to make informed decisions about their learner pathway
- Increasing the number of pathways available for learners from school to positive post-school destinations
- Supporting teachers and practitioners to develop the curriculum and embed skills for learning, life and work
- Embedding Foundation Apprenticeships into the curriculum
- Establishing and strengthening partnerships with colleges, universities and training providers
- Expanding work placements, experiences and opportunities for young people
- Offering vocational opportunities in the Senior Phase for learners to develop skills for learning, life and work
- Challenging gender imbalances in the world of work and in subject choices
The Career Education Standard recognises the important role that key influencers have on young people as they progress through their learner journey. It is clear that each young person must be at the heart of all decisions relating to them and that that not all young people follow the same path to positive post-school destinations. It is crucial that we work together in order to provide the appropriate support and interventions to each individual at the correct time.
The Career Education Standard also explicitly outlines the entitlements of young people, as well as the expectations for parents/carers, practitioners, employers and Skills Development Scotland.
Education Scotland