About Us

What we do

Developing the Young Workforce (DYW) Orkney is one of 21 regional groups across Scotland who have been introduced by the Scottish Government to help produce better qualified, work ready and motivated young people with the skills relevant to modern employment opportunities, both as employees and entrepreneurs of the future.

The DYW Orkney Regional Group Board was established in early 2017 and they, along with the programme team, are responsible for improving links between education and work and increasing opportunities for local young people.

We have a particular focus on developing the right skills for Orkney’s employment market, paying particular attention to the needs of emerging sectors. The work we undertake will help young people in Orkney explore all of the options available to them and prepare them for the world of work both in Orkney and beyond.

TEAM DYW

Our People

rachel scarth

Project Manager
Rachel oversees the delivery of the DYW programme in Orkney and manages the team to ensure that meaningful relationships are built between stakeholders, employers, education and young people to meet local and national strategic priorities.

CAITLIN WALLS

Administrative Assistant
Caitlin supports Rachel, the School Co-ordinators and the DYW Orkney board by co-ordinating meetings and events and dealing with administrative queries to ensure all aspects of the project are dealt with quickly.

LEAH RENDALL

School Co-ordinator
Kirkwall Grammar School

CHARLOTTE HOQUE

School Co-ordinator
Westray, Sanday and Stronsay
Junior High Schools

CHARLENE NICOLSON

School Co-ordinator
Stromness Academy

Our DYW School Co-ordinators will work alongside Rachel, Skills Development Scotland Careers Advisers and their respective school's Senior Management Teams and Guidance staff to support delivery of the DYW agenda in Orkney's secondary and junior high schools. They will help develop the link between education and the world of work, increasing young people's career awareness and skills development.

Meet the board

Our employer-led board is comprised of representatives from the public, private and third sectors and includes the key employment sectors in Orkney. Chaired by Glen McLellan, General Manager (UK) of National Oilwell Varco, the board work with the Project Manager to shape the strategic direction and support the delivery of our work.