Young People

Your DYW Regional group are here to better connect you to the world of work, creating meaningful experiences between you and employers that will help you be more informed, inspired and ultimately hired!

In School

Foundation Apprenticeships

Foundation Apprenticeships are studied alongside other school subjects. Starting in the Senior Phase, you get the opportunity to complete elements of a Modern Apprenticeship while in full-time education. Find out more at apprenticeships.scot

Work Placements

Work Placements provide an opportunity for you to gain real work experience and learn all the skills employers want whilst in education. To find out more information on Work Placement opportunities speak to your guidance teacher.

Marketplace

Marketplace helps bring the curriculum to life by connecting schools and colleges with businesses. Search for opportunities posted by employers which offer you the chance to learn about the world of work. Find out more at My World of Work.

Programmes & Initiatives

Across our region a number of programmes and initiatives that help you become work ready are available. To find out more information on programmes and initiatives available at your school speak to your guidance teacher.

Offers for Young People in school are different across our region.
Find out more: Edinburgh, Midlothian, East Lothian.

Are you work ready?

employers tell us the following helps develop skills for work readiness

There are lots of opportunities to make a difference in the local community. This can give you experience and skills employers are looking for including customer service, cash handling, team work and confidence working with people.

There are many wider achievement awards that you can do to develop skills for work readiness, some of these can be achieved in school and some in your spare time. One example is the Duke of Edinburgh Award. There are more examples and a tool to help find a great award for you on the Awards Network website.

Joining a club/sports team develops key skills such as working as a team, communication, resilience, confidence, creativity and communication. This can help you stand out from the crowd when applying for jobs or further study. Do jobs for neighbours or relatives. This will show employers that you are helpful and have a good work ethic.

Engaging with employers while you are in education can support you to build skills and an understanding of how these skills relate to the world of work and jobs available. You can find out more about the different jobs available and also make connections for work placements and even opportunities after school.

Getting work experience during the summer holidays shows employers that you are dedicated and hard-working. Having a part-time job will give you experience and is valued by employers even if it is not relevant to the career you want.

This is a great option if you are unsure of what industry you would like to work in. There are lots of opportunities to find a work placement. Some employers may offer a job opportunity when the work placement is complete.

Preparing for the world of work

CV's

A CV summarises your skills and experience, giving you the chance to show an employer what you are capable of. Employers will usually ask for a copy of your CV during the recruitment process, so it is a good idea to keep it up to date. A good CV will help you to stand out from the crowd and get you a job interview.

Job Applications

Some employers prefer job application forms to CVs, especially if they are recruiting lots of staff at one time. The good thing about that? Forms tell you exactly what the employer wants. Unlike a CV, you'll have specific questions to answer - which can make it easier to match your skills to the job.

Job Interviews

Whether you have had one interview or one hundred interviews, most people get nervous in an interview situation. This is normal and can even be a good sign, as it shows that you want the job. There are many different interview formats however the key to success at any interview is preparation.

Pathways to Employment

Find out more about Apprenticeships:
apprenticeships.scot

Find out more about College:
Edinburgh College, Newbattle Abbey College, SRUC, Borders College

Find live vacancies in Edinburgh, Midlothian and East Lothian:
Jobs Board

Find out more about University:
UCAS, SAAS

Find out more about where your subjects could take you:
Subject Choices Tool

Are you 16 or over? Would you like to be kept updated on offers available to you?