Website to help young people identify their next step after school launched

An initiative which has been set up to help young people prepare for the world of work has launched a new website to support young people as they identify their next step after school.

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Developing the Young Workforce (DYW) Orkney, which aims to improve links between education and work and increase opportunities for local young people, has developed a new website which provides advice and support to young people, parents, employers and those working in education.
 
Rachel Scarth, Project Manager for DYW Orkney, explains:  “Our website has been developed as a resource to help young people identify their next step after school whether that be further or higher education, an apprenticeship or going straight into employment.  Once they have identified which route they want to take, a young person can use the site to access a range of advice and guidance to help them get there.  For example, the site includes links to Orkney College UHI, the UCAS website and has tips for writing a CV, completing an application form or preparing for a job interview.
 
“To help those who are unsure what career they would like to get into, there is also information on some of the key employment sectors in Orkney to inspire them.  The ‘Careers In…’ section include examples of some of the jobs available in local sectors along with links to industry specific sites, the further education options available and job sites related to these sectors.”
 
The site also includes information for parents and carers to help them support their child as they move on from school, as well as sections for local employers and those working in education.
 
Rachel continued, “This is a great resource for young people to help them prepare for whatever path they choose when they leave school.  We would encourage all young people to look at the site and learn more about the options available to them locally and further afield.  It’s also a great site for parents and carers to use so they can support their child through this process.”
 
The DYW Orkney initiative is managed by a regional group board, which is made up of employers from the key local employment sectors.  The board is chaired by Edgar Balfour from Orkney Food and Drink.
 
Speaking about what the website offers employers, Edgar said, “Employers can use the site to learn more about the Developing the Young Workforce initiative, as well as finding out about the different ways they can engage with local schools and young people.  The site has a contact form where employers can get in touch with the local team to register their interest in getting involved with DYW Orkney.  By registering through our site, employers will be added to a mailing list and receive details of forthcoming events and activities.
 
“There are a number of ways local employers can get involved with DYW Orkney, either by coming into local schools to speak to pupils, attending our events or by offering work placement opportunities to help young people develop the skills they need in the world of work.”
 
Anyone interested in accessing information to help them explore the options available to them after school, can visit the new DYW Orkney website at www.dyworkney.co.uk