A huge thank you to Scottish Leather Group for hosting site tours at their Bridge of Weir facility for 7 schools over 4 days as part of Renfrewshire Employability Month.

A special shout-out to Mark Cowan and Rhona Ferris for giving so much of their time and helping make this happen.

The schools selected pupils with an interest in STEM and manufacturing, and feedback from the tours was 100% positive.

Another big thank you to Emma Stockan from the Renfrewshire Council Education Team for all the logistical support.

If you’d like to get involved with DYW West, get in touch by emailing info@dywwest.co.uk

Are you looking to engage with young people but aren’t sure where to start?

DYW is offering a free online workshop on 26th November, from 10am–12pm designed to support individuals looking to engage with young people in schools, colleges, or the workplace.

During the workshop you will:

• Learn top tips for planning and delivering activities

• Boost your confidence in engaging with young people

• Make a real difference in their career journeys

This is the perfect opportunity to gain hands on guidance to help you get started.

Click here for more information and to sign up

We're on TikTok!

We’re excited to bring you behind the scenes insights into real jobs, day in the life stories of apprentices and industry professionals and career tips.

Whether you’re planning your next steps or just curious about interesting career paths, our TikTok channel has something for everyone.

Follow us on TikTok to explore all our content: https://buff.ly/j4ZBX9N

Join us at West College Scotland, Clydebank Campus for STEM West 25 on 17th–18th November, offering S2–S4 pupils two action-packed days of hands-on STEM activities.

This event provides an excellent opportunity for employers to showcase what their business does, spark curiosity and inspire young minds. It's  also a chance to promote career pathways in your industry and connect with the next generation of talent.

Spaces for participating employers are already more than half full, so interested organisations are encouraged to register as soon as possible to secure their place.

To register, please visit https://buff.ly/gI8x5px

If you have issues registering or would like to know more please contact info@dywwest.co.uk

#DYWWest #STEMWest25 #STEMCareers

Paisley Grammar School’s Modern Languages Department is hosting their Modern Languages Careers Event on 10th November.

They’re on the lookout for a wide variety of stallholders to showcase how languages are used across different careers and industries.

What does a stallholder do?
As a stallholder, you’ll be asked to bring along some display material about your career and chat with pupils as they explore the event.

If you (or someone you know) use languages in your work, or your company has international links, this is a fantastic opportunity to inspire the next generation.

If you’re interested in being a stallholder, please contact: gw07hopelouise@glow.sch.uk

You can help spread the word about Developing the Young Workforce (DYW) and be a champion for young people in Scotland.

By pledging your support, you’ll join a growing network of businesses making a real difference in the lives of young people, while discovering how it can benefit your organisation.

Support young people to find their potential and start their journey to success by offering fair work and promoting inclusivity. Ready to make an impact?

Click here to pledge your support today.

Following the retirement of Liz Connolly FRSE as Principal & Chief Executive of West College Scotland, who in her time gave great support on the Board of DYW West from 2018, we are delighted to share that Anne Campbell, who has recently been appointed as the new Principal & Chief Executive, has joined the board.

Anne commented “I am delighted to be joining the DYW West Board. DYW West, through its extensive network of employers, provides our young people with inspirational opportunities and experiences. It is a vital part of our skills system, and I am proud to be able to contribute to its strategic direction”.

Jim Hannigan, COO at National Manufacturing Institute Scotland and chair of DYW West said “West College Scotland has been an outstanding host for DYW West since January 2016 and we are thrilled that Anne has joined the board, building on the great support Liz contributed over many years. Myself, our fellow board members and the DYW West team led by Bob Davidson look forward to working with Anne.”

Whatever your results, you have options.

Skills Development Scotland (SDS) delivers Scotland’s career service. SDS provide support to learners, and their parents and carers, at what can be an uncertain time.

The SDS Results Helpline number is 0808 100 8000. This helpline goes live at 8am on results day, Tuesday 5 August until 5pm, Friday 8 August 2025. You can talk to SDS's expert careers advisers about course vacancies at colleges and universities, Confirmation and Clearing, and get advice about Foundation, Modern, and Graduate Apprenticeships, jobs, volunteering, or staying on at school.

There's also lots of results support on Scotland's career website, My World of Work – it’s packed with advice, information and resources. If you would prefer to speak to someone in person, you can visit an SDS centre or community venue to talk to a careers adviser about your results and next steps. No appointment is necessary. Find out what’s close to you at skillsdevelopmentscotland.co.uk/contact-us

BSL users can use Contact Scotland BSL for support to speak to an adviser. You can use their app to sign with an interpreter who will make the phone call for you. Visit contactscotland-bsl.org

On 1st August 2025, the Young Person’s Guarantee Pledge becomes the DYW Pledge.

This change is part of a national move to streamline branding and better reflect how employers work directly with Developing the Young Workforce (DYW) teams to deliver real opportunities for young people.

The DYW Pledge keeps everything that’s already working – the same pledge areas, the same flexible approach, and the same local support – under a clearer and more recognisable name.

If you had previously signed up to YPG, there’s no action required from you. Your original pledge will carry forward automatically, and your commitment remains valued and active.

If you would like assets such as the new DYW Pledge digital badge that you can use on your website or communications to showcase your support please email us at info@dywwest.co.uk.

We’re also keen to highlight employer stories as part of our new campaign – if you have a success story to share, we’d love to hear from you.

If you're interested in learning more about the DYW Pledge, please email us at info@dywwest.co.uk, we would love to hear from you!

Thank you again for playing your part in developing the young workforce.

George Leslie is currently accepting applications for the position of Graduate Apprentice Civil Engineer!

Click here to find out more

To apply, send your CV to careers@georgeleslie.co.uk
Use the subject line: Graduate Apprentice Application