ACE Winches is the latest employer in the North-east to sign up to the Young Person’s Guarantee.
The guarantee aims to give all young people the chance to succeed despite the economic impacts of COVID-19, while also ensuring employers continue to benefit from the fresh talent and new perspectives that young people bring to workplaces across Scotland.
ACE Winches is the third employer in the North-east to make the pledge. The initiative aims to give all young people aged 16-24 in Scotland the opportunity of a job, apprenticeship, education, training or volunteering.
AquaTerra and KR Group were the first two employers to sign up to the Young Person’s Guarantee, which asks employers to commit to:
· preparing young people for the world of work through engaging with education, work experience and work-based learning opportunities
· engaging with and providing opportunities to young people who face barriers to work
· creating apprenticeships, training and upskilling opportunities for young people
· creating jobs and opportunities for young people
· creating an inclusive workplace to enable young people to meet their potential
Mary Holland, director of Developing the Young Workforce North East, said: “It has been a tough time for everyone recently, but especially our young people.
“It’s been a real challenge not being able to keep up the work we do in schools, which is why it’s so important for employers to re-engage with young people.
“The Young Person’s Guarantee allows us to accelerate the work we’ve been doing over the last seven years and work with more employers and encourage other employers to get involved.”
Shirley Butcher, HR manager at ACE Winches, said: “It was important for ACE Winches to sign up to the Young Person’s Guarantee because we are committed to help connecting
young people in our local area to opportunities, through apprenticeships, work experience or general career advice.
“We want to help young people with the skills and knowledge of the workplace as they begin their career journey.”
Sandy Begbie, chairman of the Young Person’s Guarantee Implementation Group, said: “The Young Person’s Guarantee is relatively simple, it’s about connecting young people with opportunities whether they are in employment, training or education.
“I have long believed young people are an enormous asset to employers, I have never regretted once the recruitment of a young person.
“The value they bring into companies is considerable, it is one of the best investments you can make.
“I would therefore encourage all employers, regardless of size or sector, to commit to the guarantee and give all our young people the opportunity they deserve.” You can find out more about the scheme at https://bit.ly/YPG-Employer or by contacting info@dyw.org.uk