Post by Renfrewshire Council

Creating opportunities for every young person to succeed is at the heart of everything we do through our Developing the Young Workforce (DYW) programmes,” says Yvonne Ward, education manager. Renfrewshire is currently ranked second out of 32 Scottish councils with almost 98% of young people going into positive destinations, such as apprenticeships, college, training, university and work. Schools and key partners work closely together to ensure young people are equipped with the skills needed to fulfil their potential. This positive foundation comes at a time when young people are facing increasing challenges, including the long-term impacts of the Covid pandemic and ongoing cost-of-living pressures. Yvonne continues: “It is more important than ever that we listen to the voices of our young people to ensure they access pathways into positive, sustained destinations. “Over the past decade, we have widened the range of opportunities available to young people and developed pathways across key sectors. Young people are gaining skills and experience in construction, enterprise, creative industries, and more. “Through Career Ready, we offer young people paid summer internships where they gain valuable work-based learning experience and build self-confidence. Both Renfrewshire and local employers are involved in this programme. “Social Enterprise programmes like Young Enterprise Scotland support young people to gain business experience. We are incredibly proud of Johnstone High School who have won regional heats for this award four years in a row. “Working with local business is vital. Companies like Morrisons Construction, McTaggarts, and BAM Construction offer young people experience, such as site visits, CSCS certifications, and valuable work placements. “Renfrewshire Creative Pathways Programme supports young people to consider creative and cultural jobs. It’s made possible through a partnership with University of the West of Scotland, West College Scotland, and OneRen. “Our Learning Estate Programme also provides work-based learning opportunities for young people with partnership working with West College Scotland to deliver Foundation Apprenticeships. “National concerns over access to positive destinations in the future only reinforce the importance of the work we do. Our priority remains clear: we will continue to provide young people with the tools, confidence and opportunities that help shape positive future careers.”