Companies from across Forth Valley came together during Clacks Business Week to attend an employer focus group event at Gean House in Alloa, taking the opportunity to give their views on how businesses can better engage with education.
Organised by the newly established Developing the Young Workforce – Forth Valley regional group, the businesses were able to talk about their experiences of working with schools, taking pupils on work experience and how they support young people into employment.
There was a very positive message from business – that they want and need to employ young people. They are willing to give time and resource to working with schools and Further Education institutes to give pupils a better idea of what opportunities are available to them, and a better understanding of the world of work in general.
Jen Henderson, DYW Manager said, ‘These businesses want to work together to support young people while still at school and on transition into their early careers across Forth Valley. Employers want young people with the right attitude and willingness to work and learn. Our job is to simplify some of the current provision and try to make it easier for businesses and schools to work together from an early stage….and we are determined we will make a difference.
Jen continues, ‘We’re aiming to get all High Schools in the Forth Valley area engaged in a business partnership, either with a large employer or with a group of small employers. Statistics show that the more contact young people have with business the more likely they are to get a job when they leave education, so that’s our aim.’
Margaret Mary Rafferty, MD of Ceteris (Scotland) Ltd and Vice Chair of the DYW Forth Valley Steering Group said, ‘The event went really well, there was a great attendance from employers throughout the region and it is the first of a series of activities that we have planned to ensure that employers can have a say in how best to achieve our aims.’
For further information, to offer work experience placements or to become involved in work related school based activities contact Jen Henderson, on 01259 726690 or email jen.henderson@dyw.forthvalley.ac.uk.