Providing impactful activities and input into local communities has always been important to businesses within the Construction industry. Building relationships between business and education provides a way for businesses to forge powerful partnerships that will support and influence young people and their influencers to consider choosing a career in this industry. The ‘Build Your Future’ virtual resources have been developed by key partners across the supply chain within the Built Environment as a response to COVID restrictions challenging the way business and education have previously engaged. This suite of resources are designed to sit alongside a programme of fringe events and activities that are tailored more locally to the needs of business and education. Caitlin Quinn from Morrison Construction says: “Morrison Construction are keen to continue to engage virtually wherever we can and as we hopefully emerge from lockdown restrictions this year, we look forward to moving back to an even more interactive engagement with education. We know that young people respond positively to our engagement and ‘Build Your Future’ is a great initiative for us to support that will continue to evolve as we recover from COVID.” With contributions from over 40 partners including the Scottish Traditional Building Forum, CITB, Construction Scotland Innovation Centre, Scottish Building Standards, Scottish Futures Trust and Historic Environment Scotland amongst other industry contributors. This has been supported by DYW Forth Valley and Stirling Education STEM Lead Jayne Hamilton to move to a virtual mode of delivery that will support the continued exposure to industry pathways and opportunities alongside the core learning taking place in schools. Jayne Hamilton, STEM Development Officer for Stirling Council says: “Young people are still facing big choices about which subjects they want to take next year, they are still deciding what the right next step is when they leave school and which sectors the skills they are building will be best utilised and further developed in and it is more important than ever before that we continue to work with business to provide them with insight that will support them to make informed decisions. ‘Build Your Future’ is a suite of resources that provides a structure for educators to engage with, for parents/carers to dip into with their young people and to highlight the range of pathways available within the Built Environment in Scotland.” It is hoped that this model of delivery will form a virtual core offer for all of Scotland that education and industry can use moving forward as we slowly recover from COVID. Megan Jardine, Robertson Group says: “Programme’s like ‘Build your Future’ provide an invaluable opportunity for us to collaborate with education to deliver purposeful and meaningful curriculum enhancement for young people who are facing increasing challenges as a result of COVID. Robertson are committed to engaging with education and creating impact for tomorrow’s generation using our local projects as a context for learning.” Douglas Morrison, Director of Operations and Future Skills at Construction Scotland Innovation Centre says: “Young people have a unique opportunity to transform and modernise the construction industry. Our ability to innovate, create and collaborate is essential to tackle climate change and improve health and wellbeing through our built environment. There are roles for people with all types of skills, backgrounds, and ambitions. There has never been a more exciting time to pursue a career in construction.” Click the image to be taken to the DYW Build Your Future Campaign! We’re supporting Scottish Apprenticeship Week 2021, co-ordinated by Skills Development Scotland, to demonstrate the value apprenticeships bring to individuals, employers and the economy. This year’s theme is Business Backing Talent, with the aim to demonstrate how businesses benefit when they back talent through apprenticeships. Businesses have adapted to challenging times. Employers and learning providers have innovated so apprentices can learn, achieve and progress. While businesses taking on apprentices have developed new and safe ways to recruit in their commitment to backing talent. The week highlights the range of support available to employers to help them take on an apprentice and opportunities for individuals to progress through Foundation, Modern and Graduate Apprenticeships. Scottish Apprenticeships support the Young Person's Guarantee, introduced by Scottish Government to ensure everyone aged between 16 and 24 has the opportunity of work, education or training. For businesses backing talent who can give someone the chance of an apprenticeship there's more support than ever before. The Apprentice Employer Grant provides up to £5000 to recruit an apprentice, there’s additional funding to take on a redundant apprentice through Adopt an Apprentice and Pathway Apprenticeships are available for school leavers not in a job or education to gain work-based learning and qualifications in sectors with skills needs. In these challenging times, apprentices can play a vital role in supporting businesses and the economy now and for the future. Find out more about Scottish Apprenticeships and the support available to get involved at apprenticeships.scot The first organisations to back the £60 million Young Person’s Guarantee have been announced by Economy Secretary Fiona Hyslop.
In a collective effort to help young people, the Scottish Government has been joined by SSE, Capgemini, NHS Lothian, Scottish Water and Standard Life Aberdeen in the commitment to ensure everyone aged between 16 and 24 has the opportunity of work, education or training. The Guarantee aims to give all young people in Scotland the chance to succeed despite the economic impacts of coronavirus (COVID-19) Organisations backing the Guarantee make five pledges to help young people at this critical time:
Economy Secretary Fiona Hyslop said: “The pandemic is having a disproportionate economic effect on our young people, reducing job opportunities just as they are starting out on their careers. I am delighted to be launching the Young Person’s Guarantee today to help ensure their prospects are not permanently damaged “I want to thank the early trailblazers who have backed our ambitious initiative and recognise the importance of supporting our young people. “The leadership of employers from across Scotland and from all sectors will be key in providing the opportunities that will make this Guarantee a success. This employer leadership will build on our strong track record of tackling youth unemployment through our industry led Youth Employment Strategy – Developing the Young Workforce. “We are encouraging employers to come forward and join what is a crucial intervention to ensure that we capture the potential of our young people and prevent coronavirus (COVID-19) leaving a lasting impact on the employment opportunities of our future workforce. “I want Scotland’s young people to know we are right behind you, we want you to be successful and we will do everything we can to give you the opportunities you need.” Sandy Begbie, who led the Edinburgh Guarantee said: “In the spring, I was delighted to be asked to develop a strategy to establish a Young Person Guarantee for all 16 to 24-year-olds in Scotland. The ambition is clear, I want every one person who is unemployed to be given an opportunity for a job, apprenticeship, education, training or volunteering. I strongly believe we must act now and decisively, our young people are an asset and a credit to Scotland.” Background: Further information on the Young Person’s Guarantee is available on the www.youngpersonsguarantee.scot website. The Young Person’s Guarantee was one of the main recommendations of the Advisory Group on Economic Recovery. The £60 million Young Person’s Guarantee is part of a total of £100 million for employment support and training announced by the Scottish Government to tackle employment challenges. £10 million of this will be used to support a range of measures to recruit and retain apprentices. Heriot-Watt University has created January start dates across the majority of its Graduate Apprenticeships programmes in a bid to help businesses and boost the economy.
The COVID crisis has undoubtedly presented businesses with many challenges, including economically. The University is confident that the introduction of this flexibility in start dates will provide a timely boost for both businesses and the Scottish economy. HWU has seen signs of some sectors, such as construction and engineering, begin to open up as companies start to plan their recovery from the COVID crisis. Continued growth in demand for skills development in the Data and IT-related sectors has been another contributory factor in the University trying to find ways to provide the skills needed to drive growth and create employment opportunities, particularly for the young, during these challenging times. Gill Murray, Deputy Principal for Enterprise and Business, said “Delivering this additional flexibility to employers is an important step and it comes at an important time. Graduate Apprenticeships bring a number of benefits for employers. For example, creating a pipeline of talented young people, improving employee retention and increased productivity. It’s also important to remember that it’s a priority for the Government, and all of us, to help young people into the workforce. Graduate Apprenticeships are an ideal way to do that.” Initiatives such as the University’s Responsive-Blended Learning model, along with a restructuring of course content has enabled the range of Graduate Apprenticeships programmes to accommodate the January start. This development is part of a wider range of activities falling under the University’s Recovery Prospectus initiative. As part of that initiative HWU, will also be launching a number of upskilling and reskilling opportunities over the next few months, which will be a crucial time in the Scottish economy. Graduate Apprenticeships are developed by Skills Development Scotland, with support from the European Social Fund. Full details of the Graduate Apprenticeships programmes available can be found at ga@hw.ac.uk. Fantastic ‘virtual’ Work Insight & Skills programme for S4/S5/S6 students interested in a career in law, finance or business.
Run by the award winning Social Mobility Business Partnership, this virtual offering will take place during 12th to 16th October 2020. Students will spend up to three hours each day meeting with different high profile organisations where they will learn about that business and get involved in business-like tasks and games. The week will also include a session learning about the psychology of resilience and goal achievement. Students wishing to take part Must:
And, meet one or more of the following:
Contact your DYW Link teacher for more information. Or email dyw@dywborders.co.uk Another fantastic #NoWrongPath day took place this week on Results Day 2020. Across all platforms there was inspiring and unique pathways to assure young people that there is #NoWrongPath to employment and to what they want to do.
Several local businesses and employees shared their own #NoWrongPath pictures with us and on their own social media platforms. We had #NoWrongPath pictures from Farne Salmon, SDS Scottish Borders, Lantra, Apt Cavalier, Plexus, Santander, Inspire Learning and the Scottish Racing Academy. #NoWrongPath is a social media movement which aims to provide inspiration and reassurance to young people receiving their exam results. We recognise that some young people may be disheartened by their exam results this year particularly in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic and the disruption that has been caused, so we are aiming to demonstrate to young people that many people in interesting job roles across Scotland may not have taken a straight, obvious or traditional path to get there. #NoWrongPath aims to show young people the options that are available to them and that exams results are not necessarily the key to unlocking future success. Get involvedStep 1 Pledge your support for the campaign and mark Tuesday 4 August 2020 (Scottish Exam Results Day) in your diary. Step 2 On Tuesday 4 August 2020, post a photograph of yourself holding a handwritten sign outlining your name, what you did when you left school and what you are doing now. Remember to use #NoWrongPath. Step 3
Nominate a friend or colleague and encourage them to get involved, too! Visit www.nowrongpath.scot for more information and previous years participants. Are you an employer who wants to find out more about Graduate Apprenticeships and the Apprenticeship Family? Heriot-Watt University are offering two brilliant webinars next week . On the 7th July, they will be discussing Civil Engineering and Construction and the Built Environment programmes and how their graduate apprenticeships programmes can help businesses on the road to recovery after the impact of COVID-19. On the 8th July they will be hosting a joint webinar with Skills Development Scotland on the Apprenticeship Family. Discussing apprenticeships available and the progression opportunities for apprentices. WebinarsLive webinar - 8 July at 2pm: Heriot-Watt and Skills Development Scotland present… The Apprenticeship Family In this live webinar you’ll hear from Scott Leishman from Skills Development Scotland and Heriot-Watt University’s Derek Thomson, as they explore the different parts of The Apprenticeship Family. In the webinar they’ll discuss:
The presentation will last around 30 minutes, followed by an interactive section where the audience will be able ask Scott and Derek questions. Register Now! We expect demand to be high for this event so make sure you reserve your place early! Registering for the event couldn’t be simpler. Just click on the button below to register your interest. Live Webinar - 7 July at 3pm: Building Confidence with Graduate Apprenticeships
Civil engineering and construction sectors have been particularly badly hit by the impact of COVID-19. As lockdown restrictions begin to ease, this live webinar looks at how our Graduate Apprenticeships programmes can help businesses on the road to recovery. In this interactive session, you’ll have the opportunity to discuss directly with programme directors, Dr Graeme Bowles and Dr Laurent Galbrun, about:
And you’ll even have the opportunity to discuss common issues with your peers. Register Now! Don’t miss out on this opportunity to hear how our Graduate Apprenticeship programmes can help your business. Registering for the event couldn’t be simpler. Just click on the button below to register your interest. Developing the Young Workforce has created a jam packed programme of content aimed at supporting young people leaving school this summer to take their next steps in life. An online portal E-DYW has been created, it is a One-Stop-Shop for young people, educators, employers, parents/carers that can be accessed here. It will include multiple resources from private and public sector bodies to provide support to young people leaving school.
A series of sessions have also been created to support both young people, parents and carers delivered through our Scotland's Biggest Parents Events and DYW Skills Academy. Scotland's Biggest Parents' Event (SBPE) series is aimed at providing information and relevant updates on topics that are of interest to support young people with the transition from school. The first event will take place on Tuesday 7th July 2020. Find out more about Scotland's Biggest Parents Events (SBPE) here. The DYW Skills Academy: Get Industry Ready delivered over July and August is a series of activities and virtual experiences with industry to support young people to build capacity to enter the labour market. Find out more about DYW Skills Academy here. The 21 Regional DYW groups across Scotland have released a survey to businesses, seeking their insight on how we can continue the work of DYW in schools and colleges.
We understand that the plans businesses may have had for engaging with young people through DYW and direct with schools and colleges may have changed due to COVID-19. Young people are one group in the labour market who are hit hardest by negative changes in the economy and we are doing all we can to continue, re-align and re-imagine the work of DYW at this challenging time. As the situation evolves, insight from business is crucial to shape our work going forward and support us in building young people’s capacity to enter the world of work. To help us shape our work we would greatly appreciate you taking three minutes to respond to our DYW Business Pulse Survey here. Please complete all responses by Wednesday 27 May. Enginuity (formerly Semta) and the Prince’s Trust have created an online game – powered by artificial intelligence – to identify people that have what it takes to power the nation’s economic recovery when the lockdown is lifted.
Skills Miner is part of Enginuity’s mission to create skills solutions for individuals, educators and employers to help close the skills gap in the engineering sector. It is designed to uncover the hidden engineering skills of the next generation of budding engineers. Sophisticated Artificial Intelligence algorithms monitor players’ performance and assess their aptitude for a whole raft of skills – from Observation and Assessment, Resilience, Digital Competency, Problem Solving and Critical Reasoning. Players of the game, which is based on Minecraft and aimed at players of all ages, will be guided to various levels, given assessments of their cerebral and dexterity strengths – then given a call to action to help them make an appropriate move through the gateway from the virtual to the real world. It will help boost neurodiversity and reveal a myriad of vocational pathways to work in the real world. The game is available on PC/ Mac/ iOS and Android. Play today! Developing the Young Workforce (DYW) 21 regional groups are preparing to launch an awareness campaign across Scotland showcasing roles within the key sectors to make young people more aware of the types of jobs involved and what skills/qualities would be required.
We want to tap into the energy of key workers to push this campaign forward and inspire the next generation. The campaign which will be promoted across social media platforms and will feature a variety of sectors and job roles. Our young people in Scotland will be the future of our workforce and we hope that this campaign inspires them into roles that have proven to be invaluable in protecting us all. The campaign which will be promoted across social media platforms will feature a variety of sectors and job roles. You and your colleagues can get involved in a couple of ways: Option 1- Record a short video talking about the job role, how you got into this etc. Prompt questions below. Option 2- Send us a photograph of yourself or colleague(s), either in uniform or in your working environment and complete the below questions. Name – Job title – Company you/ they work for – How you came into the role – Did you do training? If so, what training – Important skills for the role – Favourite part of the job – Quote about being a keyworker (how does it make you feel etc) – If you would like to take part please send your photos and answers or video to iheard@dywborders.co.uk New Scottish Racing Academy recruiting students for people wanting a career in horse racing, and offers Continuing Professional Development opportunities for current racing staff
Scottish Racing, the body which promotes the sport of horse racing in Scotland, has announced the creation of a new sister organisation, the Scottish Racing Academy. The new Scottish Racing Academy has collaborated with schools and colleges across Scotland and is now seeking to recruit anyone who wishes to gain essential employability and academic qualifications, develop riding skills and gain knowledge of the vast range of careers within the racing industry. The Academy also offers opportunities for those who already work in horse racing to upskill their careers. The qualifications are being delivered as part of the National Curriculum for Excellence at all 9 schools in the Scottish Borders and encourage young people to complete a racing specific, horse care qualification, whilst studying in their senior phase at school. Students can then continue their learning journey by undertaking a full-time Race Horse Care programme at Borders College, which commences in August 2020. This fully-funded programme allows students to gain qualifications whilst gaining invaluable work experience within racing yards. Thanks to support from the Racing Foundation and the wider racing industry, the Scottish Racing Academy offers training for new recruits into horse racing and also provides opportunities for current stable staff to gain recognition for their current skills or gain additional skills whilst continuing to work. Media Release: Borders College In a twist of circumstance that would not seem out of place on an episode of The Apprentice, budding young businesspeople from across the Borders had to adapt quickly for this year’s Young Enterprise Scotland Borders final, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The programme, which aims to help young people realise their potential and success in the world of business, was due to come to a completion at the grand finale, hosted at the Scottish Borders Campus on 19th March 2020. However, following all of the students’ efforts, spanning the academic year, the management committee had to postpone the event as a result of the national lockdown. Judging of the programme’s six categories (Best Trade Stand, Best Report, Best 360 Feedback, Best Presentation, Best Digital Presence and Borders Company of the Year), was subsequently carried out remotely, with the winners announced via Facebook on Friday 1st May 2020. The judges were impressed with the diversity of the products offered by students from the five teams, representing Berwickshire High School and Earlston High School. Items for sale included dog treats, succulent plants potted in recycled glass jars, luxury gingerbread houses and acrylic signs. Lead judge Alice Pringle, from programme sponsor TRICAPITAL, the Scottish Borders business angels, said: “Congratulations to all the teams! I was tremendously impressed by their ideas, products and teamwork. The amount the teams and individuals learnt through the process of developing an enterprise will be very valuable in their futures. The opportunity for trial presentations and practice trade stands at TRICAPITAL before the Final Reports gave the teams useful feedback from existing businesspeople, and there were good points in the work and enthusiasm of all the teams. I was particularly struck by the winning team’s clear plan of action and creation of sales opportunities. Their enthusiasm for their product literally sold it! It’s good to see the next generation of Borders businesspeople are so switched on, and know that the future is in good hands.” The programme gives real working experience, with each student committing to a role within the company. The undertaking of a role facilitates learning about the essence of enterprise and enhancing the student’s development of a wide range of skills such as problem-solving, communication and resilience – all of which are relevant to those in business today. Chloe Purves, Chair of the Young Enterprise Scotland Local Area Team, said: “Over the last 8 months S5 and S6 (15-19-year olds) involved in the Young Enterprise Scotland Company programme have had the ultimate business experience. They have gained a valuable understanding of how business works - how to set up a company, write a business plan, produce and sell a product and keep financial records. However, it is the key employability and entrepreneurial skills they have learnt that will set them in good stead for the future – presentation skills, team working and leadership, communication skills and how to conduct yourself in an interview situation. But by far, the most rewarding thing is seeing their confidence grow and their ideas come alive. This coming year we hope to have more secondary schools involved particularly as the Programme now offers the students the opportunity to gain a higher-level qualification.” It is hoped that, as we move out of lockdown, the winners of the Borders Company of the Year will have the opportunity to attend the national final, held in Edinburgh. Quote from winner, Border Mugs, whose product was a mug decorated with a word search that included many of the towns from across the region, said: “x” The 2019/20 category winners:
Media Release - McGowan Marketing As many parents/guardians will be juggling working from home and home schooling, DYW wanted to use this as an opportunity to encourage everyone who can to get involved with our Bring your Child to Work Day (Home Edition!)
Involving young people in what you do during your work day could inspire and raise awareness of the world of work. By following the campaign across social media we can continue to showcase the variety of careers on offer. HOW TO GET INVOLVED Step 1 Pledge your support for the campaign and mark Thursday 23rd April 2020 in your diary and let us know that you are taking part. Step 2 On Thursday 23rd April, post a photograph of yourself and your children working at home. Remember and use the hashtag #DYWChildtoWork and tag us @DYWBorders If you don’t use social media and want to be involved, you can send your photo to iheard@dywborders.co.uk and we will share it on your behalf. We look forward to seeing your posts on Thursday 23rd April. If you have any questions or want to get involved but aren’t sure how, please get in touch by contacting iheard@dywborders.co.uk This is the first year The Cashmere Collaborative has run in partnership with Sinclair Duncan, DYW Borders, Heriot-Watt University and SBC Education. It is a real-life project where groups of four S3 pupils designed two Cashmere Scarves. One to be produced and sold at Abbotsford House and the other to be produced and presented to the Best Dressed at Kelso Racecourse Ladies Day in May 2020.
Throughout the last year pupils from Galashiels Academy, Earlston High School, Berwickshire High School and Jedburgh Grammar School received workshops, tours of local factories/ university campus as well as being very fortunate to be mentored by Heriot Watt students who helped use their expertise to guide the pupils through the process. Pupils worked through each step as if the scarf was being produced in industry, using the same digital packages and processes. The judging panel were overwhelmed with the amount of work that had gone into market research, colour trends, taking time to understand the manufacturing process and creating a CAD that shows how the end product will look. All teams had gone above and beyond the realms of the project, working out with class time, which shows a real dedication and strong skills that will transfer well into the world of work. Winner of the Abbotsford Scarf design - Earlston High School Winner of the Kelso Races Ladies Day Scarf design - Jedburgh Grammar School The Sinclair Duncan Award for Design Excellence - Galashiels Academy The DYW Award for work-skills Excellence - Berwickshire High School We are also delighted to announce the project will be exhibited at the Textile Towerhouse in Hawick to show off the teams presentation boards as well as their finished scarves and the journey they have been on. Details and dates to follow! On the week commencing 11th November 2019, we will be using #AJobForEverybody to share stories and experiences which prove that everyone can contribute and be of benefit to employers all over the country. Time to stand up for #Equalities and show there is #NoWrongPath when finding a career!
We are looking for real stories from people you know who have or are facing additional barriers, and who are either in employment or have participated in work experience or anything similar. We want to promote the idea that we can break down barriers which prevent people gaining employment whether that be gender, ethnicity or disability/health issues. If you can think of anyone who has overcome discrimination and any barriers then please share their story and let them be a role model for others and prove that no one should feel restricted by perceived barriers or discrimination. Get in touch with your local Developing the Young Workforce group for more . Find your local group at www.dyw.scot ...was the clear message from Gary Armstrong, former Scottish Rugby Player 🏉 today at Jedburgh Grammar School
Gary spoke to pupils about his pathway and how his passion for rugby got him to where he is today. Touching on key milestones from his 51 Caps for Scotland to his OBE he told pupils if you have a passion to always pursue it, no matter the obstacle. Thank you to Gary for a very insightful talk. This session is part of our Right Skills | Right Job Programme. Berwickshire High School is the first school kicking off 2019/20 Careers Fairs. Held this coming Thursday evening, the fair will see a wide range of employers from local to national, spreading awareness of career opportunities within their sector.
LIVE JOBS FAIR & INFORMATION evening FOR THE CARE SECTOR
On 29th October 2019, Developing the Young Workforce (DYW), Skills Development Scotland (SDS), Borders College and Jobcentre Plus are inviting young people, parents and carers and the wider community to New Reiver House to join them in learning about #CareersInCare as well as having the opportunity to meet employers with live vacancies. The event is designed for anyone who is interested in a career within child, health and social care. The evening will see something for everyone, whether you are looking for your first step into this career or a new challenge! Meet employers advertising live jobs vacancies, apprenticeships and opportunities. Gain help and advice on how to make your CV stand out from the crowd in the CV Workshop with Skills Development Scotland and Balfour- Wilson Recruitment. Learn how the Apprenticeship Family could be the pathway to your future. If you are a school pupil why not speak to Borders College about how a Foundation Apprenticeship could be your step onto the career ladder. Policies from Rwanda, Estonia, Scotland, Nepal, South Africa, Europe, Los Angeles and Senegal are this year’s winners of the “Oscar for best policies”
Geneva/Hamburg/New York, 11 October 2019 – Eight inspiring and impactful laws and policies aimed at empowering young people to build a fair and sustainable future are being awarded the Future Policy Award 2019. Selected from among 67 nominated policies from 36 countries, this year’s winners of the “Oscar for best policies” come from Rwanda, Estonia, Scotland (United Kingdom), Nepal, South Africa, Europe, Los Angeles (USA) and Senegal. They are being awarded on 16th October during the 141st Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union in Belgrade, Serbia. Parliamentarians from across the globe are expected to gather at the 2019 Future Policy Award Ceremony on 16th October, organized by the World Future Council, the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), to recognize and celebrate these extraordinary policies for their significant work to advance youth access to decent jobs, including green jobs, and enhance civic and political participation for sustainable development and peace. Alexandra Wandel, Executive Director of the World Future Council, says: “By empowering youth, it is possible to tackle the multiple global challenges– the climate crisis, unemployment and conflicts – that threaten our future. This year’s Future Policy Award honours exceptional policies adopted by political leaders who have decided to act, no longer accepting widespread youth unemployment or the absence of youth in political participation. The 2019 Future Policy Award winners prove that it is feasible – and show how. Policymakers across the globe should follow their example and step up similar exemplary political action!’’ “The Future Policy Award showcases innovative ways to break down barriers in critical areas like youth unemployment and help set free the massive talents of young women and men,” says Achim Steiner, UNDP Administrator and Vice-Chair of the UN Sustainable Development Group. “Crucially, shining a light on these exceptional youth initiatives can allow them to be translated to other country contexts — thus helping to drive forward sustainable development.” Martin Chungong, IPU Secretary General, says: “Half the world’s population is under thirty, but only 2% of MPs are in that age group. One of the IPU’s key objectives is to empower youth by getting more young people into parliament to ensure stronger, more representative, and future-looking democratic institutions. These winning laws and policies show that there are many great initiatives all over the world that can serve as examples for other countries to harness the potential of youth.” Among the distinguished speakers and personalities presenting the awards, are: Gabriela C. Barron, President of the IPU; Melvin Bouva, President of the IPU Forum of Young Parliamentarians and Deputy Speaker of the Parliament of Suriname; Martin Chungong, Secretary General of the IPU; Vladimir Marinkovic, Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly of Serbia; Charles Chauvel, Global Lead, Inclusive Processes and Institutions of UNDP; and Alexandra Wandel, Executive Director, World Future Council. Kehkashan Basu, Youth Ambassador of the World Future Council, graces the occasion as the Master of the Ceremonies. Since its inception, the Future Policy Award has recognized 51 policies from 37 countries that are tackling the world’s most pressing global challenges. Past awards have been given for policies protecting biodiversity, forests, oceans and food security, as well as for disarmament, children’s rights, ending violence against women and girls, combating desertification, and scaling up agroecology. The 2019 group of winners advance the economic empowerment of young women and men through decent and sustainable jobs, and youth civic engagement and political participation for sustainable development and peace. This year’s Future Policy Award is organized by the World Future Council, IPU and UNDP, with the support of the Office of the UN Secretary-General’s Envoy on Youth, the International Labour Organization (ILO) and Youth Policy Labs. It was made possible by the generous support of the Michael Otto Foundation and the Jua Foundation. World Future Council Press Release It was business as usual at the YES Borders Company Programme Final recently, sponsored by Borders-based business angels, TRICAPITAL. With the aim of helping young people realise their potential and success in the world of work, the YES Company Programme, which is delivered across an academic year, is the ultimate business and enterprise experience for S5/S6 pupils. Students learn about the essence of enterprise and develop a wide range of skills such as problem-solving, communication, resilience and organisation. With real world business management experience, each student commits to a role within the company, working together to meet the objectives they set themselves. Chloe Purves, Chair of the Young Enterprise Scotland Local Area Team, said: “The whole ethos of the Programme is ‘learning by doing’, with a much broader focus than just the traditional measures of business success. It provides an opportunity for the practical application of the learning which has been undertaken in the school. We felt it was really important to give Borders’ students the opportunity to take part in this national programme and have enjoyed a successful year. We would like to encourage all Borders’ secondary schools to take part next year.” This is the second year the Programme has run in the region, with an increase of 100% in the number of companies registered. There were eight businesses in total, three from Kelso High School, three from Earlston High School, one from Eyemouth High School and one from Selkirk High School. TRICAPITAL Chairman Jamie Andrew from the judging team said: It’s tremendous to see young Borderers developing practical business skills through this innovative programme. I’ve been highly impressed by the teams’ creativity, hard work, strategic thinking, financial judgment and professionalism, as well as their products and presentations. Business innovation is the lifeblood of the local and national economy, and it’s great to see the Borders’ entrepreneurial spirit in action with this new generation. The future is in good hands! Congratulations to the teams and to Young Enterprise Scotland for such an inspiring programme.” In addition to operating the business – aiming to make a profit; the students had to battled it out for six category awards: Best Trade Stand, Best Report, Best Interview, Best Presentation, Best Digital Presence and Borders Company of the Year. Michael Kerr, managing director of Kan-i, winner of the Borders Company of the Year 2019, said: “We were shocked but really thrilled to win Borders Company of the Year, in addition to the two other categories. We’ve learned so much about the highs and lows of running a business. It was hard work but today has made it all worthwhile.” The winner of the Borders Company of the Year will go forward to the national final, held in Edinburgh in June. The 2018/19 category winners:
Developing the Young Workforce (DYW) Borders, with partners Skills Development Scotland (SDS), Borders College and Jobcentre plus are bringing you their take on the national event – Scotland’s Biggest Parent’s Evening 2019!
Developed with Skills Development Scotland, Scotland’s Biggest Parents’ Evening will see all 21 DYW regional groups partner with local employers to showcase apprenticeship and career opportunities through local events across the country. Scotland’s Biggest Parents’ Evening is part of Scottish Apprenticeship Week 2019 - the annual campaign highlighting the value apprenticeships and work-based learning brings to individuals, employers and the economy The evening will see something for everyone, whether your looking for your first step onto the career or a new challenge! Meet employers advertising live jobs vacancies, apprenticeships and intern opportunities across a variety of industries. Gain help and advice on how to make your CV stand out from the crowd in the CV Workshop with Skills Development Scotland. Sit in on an informative talk about SQA qualifications and what they really mean. Learn how the Apprenticeship Family could be the pathway to your future. And if you are a school pupil why not speak to Borders College about how a Foundation Apprenticeship could be your step onto the career ladder. Find out more on how you can attend below: Scotland’s anti-bullying service, respectme, has announced a national campaign that aims to drive respectful, positive behaviour among the country’s young people.
#ChooseRespect, which has launched ahead of Anti-Bullying Week 2018 (12-16 November), is inviting all those working with young people– from teachers and youth group leaders to sports coaches and community volunteers – to ‘pledge’ their support via a newly launched microsite www.chooserespect.scot and be the first to gain access to this year’s learning materials. Visitors to the site will be able to download a suite of education and learning tools focusing on the four key stages of the campaign – beginning with self-reflection. The materials have been developed to help improve young people’s understanding about how, and why, they should choose respect. Katie Ferguson, service director for respectme, said: “Choosing respect isn’t always easy and doesn’t come naturally in every situation – but how we behave is ultimately our decision. “Our campaign will help practitioners to explore this idea with young people – encouraging more respectful and positive relationships in their settings. “#ChooseRespect is building on last year’s Anti-Bullying Week conversation about what respect means to young people and adults. This year, it was important for us to build on this and have extended the campaign beyond Anti-Bullying Week to allow for continuous learning and development throughout the entire school year.” All education and youth practitioners will have access to tools that will help young people fully understand what respect means, and the impact it can have on others. Those who ‘pledge’ their support are also encouraged to nominate others who work with young people to ensure a far a reach as possible. To sign up, pledge support and stay updated with new materials, respectme is encouraging people to sign up via www.chooserespect.scot Last week we were at Selkirk High School for the launch of this year’s Mentoring Programme. Programme Manager, Sara Ward gave an informative presentation to all sixth-year pupils on what mentoring is and the benefits of taking part. Pupils also heard from former pupil, Lara Mills. Lara gave her perspective on being mentored and how it built her confidence as well as helping her secure a place at University.
Pupils who decide to take part will be matched with an expert from an industry or job role they want to learn more about. But not only do pupils benefit but employers are able to learn from the future workforce and receive a young person’s view on how industries are changing and adapting. |
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