A new director has been appointed to drive an increase in employer engagement in schools.
Margo Milne takes up this leadership role at Developing the Young Workforce (DYW) North East, which exists to bridge the gap between employers and education.
The aim to involve more employers will help inspire and develop the next generation of talent in North-east Scotland.
Margo takes over at a period of rapid growth for the organisation, which over the last year has expanded to offer enhanced on-the-ground support to all 32 secondary schools across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire.
Margo will lead a drive to get businesses to sign-up to the Young Person's Guarantee. The ambition of the Guarantee is that every person aged between 16 and 24 in Scotland has the opportunity to study; take up an apprenticeship, job or work experience; or participate in formal volunteering.
Margo said: “I’m excited to get started in this new role and build on what is in place. I share the ambitions of my board and want to get as many employers in our region involved in inspiring our young people as possible.
“We have a massive opportunity in the North-east to drive employer engagement in schools. The Young Person's Guarantee means we are better placed than ever to develop sustained and impactful connections between industry and education.
“These connections are vital, both for our young people and for our region’s future economic success.”
Margo’s appointment follows the addition of four new faces to the DYW North East board in recent months.
James Bream of Katoni Engineering, Dr Colette Backwell of CLAN Cancer Support, Neil McKinnon of Peterson Offshore Group and Anita Martin of Well-Safe Solutions have recently joined the organisation, augmenting its experience and breadth of expertise.
James Bream, who is now chairman of DYW North East, welcomed Margo’s appointment: “Margo was the outstanding candidate to take the work of DYW North East to the next level, which is to be the most successful group of its kind in Scotland.
“Being the best in the country will rely on businesses in this area to commit to showing we care about our young people. I’m confident they will step up and demonstrate that we can lead the way in Scotland.”
There are 21 regional groups established across the whole of Scotland, of which DYW North East is one. Further information about DYW North East is available at www.dyw.org.uk or by emailing info@dyw.org.uk.