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DYW (Developing the Young Workforce) Moray has fulfilled one of its own targets by appointing 24-year-old Sarah Baxter as its new manager.
Sarah joined the DYW Moray team in 2016 as a co-ordinator but was this month appointed the service’s new manager.
One of DYW Moray’s goals is to open more opportunities for young people to develop their employability skills and Sarah says her progression within the government-funded project has ticked that box.
She said: “Clearly I am delighted to be taking on this new role. There is nothing more satisfying than working with young people and the businesses to increase employability opportunities within Moray. Encouraging the education services and the business world to work together to show there are opportunities to be had here is only ever going to put Moray on the map as a place people want to live and work.
“It is a challenging role, but I am embracing it and am looking forward to moving the project on.”
Sarah, who has been the acting manager since last November, added: “My new role just goes to show what can be achieved. DYW Moray have supported me with training and provided me with a mentor enabling me to take on this new exciting job and that’s exactly what we are doing across the region within schools and the companies that we work with.”
An early opportunity for Sarah to demonstrate her hosting skills will be the RETAin Moray 2018 event, to be held in Elgin High School on 21 June.
The event, to be co-hosted with Skills Development Scotland, aims to partner-up young people with employers who are providing training and apprenticeship opportunities. Young people looking for work opportunities are being encouraged to attend the event, which will put them face-to-face with dozens of the region’s employers who are looking to recruit.
Sarah said: “Our aim is to secure Moray’s future workforce; by businesses working together with young people and the local schools and colleges we can illustrate that there are great opportunities to be had in our vibrant region.”
The event will be attended by the likes of AJ Engineering & Construction Services, William Grant & Sons, Brightwork, and Johnston& Carmichael.
“We have some great employers lined up who can not only offer potential positions – including training and apprenticeship opportunities – but will be on hand to guide young people on what employers are looking for when they seek to take someone on. This event is ideal for school leavers but we also welcome input from parents as well, as they play a vital role in influencing their children.”
She added: “We held a similar event during Scottish Apprenticeship Week in 2017 and it was hugely successful, attracting business and young people from all across the region.”
DYW Moray is an employer-led board which aims to lower youth unemployment; by creating stronger links between businesses and education it seeks to provide more opportunities for young people to be better prepared for the world of work.
The government-funded project is made up of 21 regional groups across Scotland.
Employers wishing to register for the event should email sbaxter@dywmoray.co.uk or visit https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/retain-2018-recruit-employ-trainees-apprentices-in-moray-event-tickets-45801972934