News

Links between local businesses and education are in the spotlight, as the winners of the annual Developing the Young Workforce Dundee & Angus Awards have been announced. These awards highlight the impressive work going on across the area to inspire young people about the career choices available to them, and to prepare them with the skills and knowledge they need to enter the world of work.

Usually the DYW Dundee & Angus team would present the awards at a reception for all nominees and their guests, however this year is obviously a little different, as the winners were announced online.

The winners and highly commended in each of the three categories were:
Business Category
Winner – Baker Hughes
Highly Commended – Forbes of Kingennie and Glamis Castle & Strathmore Estate

Individual Category
Winner – Jonathan Reeve, Voigt Architects
Highly Commended – Sandra Rennie, Arbroath Academy and Caroline Taylor, Angus Alive

School/College Category
Joint Winners – St Paul’s Academy and Arbroath Academy
Highly Commended – Grange Primary School

This marks another successful year for DYW Dundee & Angus. The main aim of the team is to facilitate partnerships between business and industry, leading to young people being more prepared for entering the workforce and going on to positive destinations after school. In 2019/20 the team were involved in 85 work inspiration events and 105 education/employer partnerships, providing career inspiration for 3,540 pupils. They also helped Dundee & Angus College to find placements for Foundation Apprenticeships, and referred businesses who were interested in taking on a Modern Apprentice to SDS. They worked in partnership with the Local Authorities to provide 1,680 meaningful work experience opportunities, and provided training for businesses to make the most of work experience opportunities.

Alison Henderson, Chief Executive of Dundee & Angus Chamber of Commerce, and newly appointed Chair of DYW Dundee & Angus said, “These awards epitomise the work of DYW and the impact that can be made on young people’s lives. We are living in unprecedented times, with COVID-19 expected to effect young people more than any other demographic. Youth unemployment is set to rise, so it is vital that we do all we can to help shape career education to focus on the sectors where jobs will be available. I’d like to congratulate all our winners, and encourage more businesses across the area to get involved, to ensure that young people are coming out of school with the skills and knowledge required to join local industry.”