DYW. Supporting our young people. Shaping our future.

Developing the Young Workforce (DYW) is Scotland’s national youth employment strategy. The aim is simple: to help young people build the skills, confidence, and experience they need to move from school into the world of work.

Why get involved?

Connecting schools and businesses brings real benefits:

  • Young people gain a better understanding of local jobs and industries
  • Employers help shape future talent and raise awareness of their sector
  • Businesses develop long-term links for recruitment and community engagement

Ways your business can help

There are lots of ways to get involved, whatever your size or sector:

  • Talk to pupils about your career journey or the roles in your business
  • Offer work experience or workplace visits
  • Take part in mock interviews or mentoring
  • Share the skills and qualities you look for when recruiting

DYW West Highland is hosted by West Highland Chamber of Commerce and based in Fort William. Our staff work with young people from high schools in Ullapool, Gairloch, Skye, Fort Augustus, Ardnamurchan, Kinlochleven and Fort William.

We also work closely with employers, schools, colleges, and partners across the West Highlands including The Highland Council, Skills Development Scotland, UHI North, West and Hebrides, and Sabhal Mòr Ostaig.

By working together, we can help employers shape the future workforce of the West Highlands and help young people be better prepared for the world of work.

Meet the team

DYW West Highland is guided by an employer-led board, chaired by Matthew Jackson, Property Director at Sonas Hospitality. Board members represent a range of local employers and organisations, including:

West Highland Chamber of Commerce, BSW Timber, Woodlands Glencoe, Wester Ross Biosphere, Skills Development Scotland, TSL Contractors, MOWI, Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, and UHI North, West and Hebrides.

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Want to find out more?

If you’re interested in getting involved or just want to have a chat about our work, we’d love to hear from you.
Call us on  01397 705765
 Email  [email protected]
 Or visit DYW What’s On for more information