Developing Scotland's Young Workforce

Developing Scotland's Young Workforce

In January 2013, the Scottish Government set up The Education Working for All! - Commission for Developing Scotland's Young Workforce. This commission was chaired by Sir Ian Wood. Through extensive consultations with leading figures in education, business and equalities groups, provided 39 recommendations to improve Scottish education.

The Education Working For All! report focuses on learners who don't follow an academic pathway — those who leave school with little or no Highers. It outlines the importance of vocational education and its role in the Scottish education system, and the recommendations reflect this.

Developing the Young Workforce — Scotland's Youth Employment Strategy

Developing the Young Workforce — Scotland's Youth Employment Strategy was published in December 2014 and includes the detailed plans, agreed with local government, to implement the Commission's recommendations. 

The strategy sets out the Scottish Government's response to Education Working For All! with an outline of activity to create a world class vocational education system by 2021.

DYW Regional Groups

Twenty-one Regional Groups are leading and driving the change in employers' engagement with schools and colleges. They are challenging and supporting employers to recruit more young people.

Our Regional Managers have direct involvement in each of the groups. Find out more about what's happening in your area and how you can get involved.

Guidance for School/Employer Partnerships, the Work Placements Standard and Career Education Standard (3-18)

With the recommendations of the DYW programme, the Scottish Government and Education Scotland published guidance on School/Employer Partnerships, the Work Placements Standard and a new Career Education Standard (3-18).

The guidance on school/employers partnerships is available in 3 parts:

This provides information on the value of partnerships to inspire young people to develop skills for employment, by offering a range of programmes and opportunities.