Moray Chamber of Commerce launches new Initiative: ‘Developing the Young Workforce in Moray'

Moray Chamber of Commerce is delighted to announce that it will be working alongside local businesses to develop Moray’s young workforce. Regional groups are being created across the country to lead and support the development of Scotland’s young potential. Moray’s regional group will be hosted by Moray Chamber of Commerce and will run for a minimum of 3 years, funded by Scottish Government. The regional group will be governed by a largely private sector Board, but will also have representatives from the third sector and the key public sector partners in Moray. Announcing the new group, the Minister for Youth and Women’s employment Annabelle Ewing, said: “I am very pleased that Moray is the latest region to launch its Developing the Young Workforce regional group. While there is a considerable amount of good work happening in the area, I share the group’s recognition that much more can be done to support young women and men towards sustainable and rewarding jobs. “Recent statistics demonstrate a clear and sustained improvement in the youth labour market with youth employment reaching its highest September-November figure since 2005. “We are not complacent and want to maintain progress and we know employers will play a key role in the delivery of the aims of Scotland’s Youth Employment Strategy – a 40 per cent reduction in youth unemployment by 2021. We want an improved relationship between schools and employers that will allow all of our young people to progress, whatever their background or gender. “This development of a Developing the Young Workforce Regional Group in Moray will lead and drive the change in employer’s engagement with schools and colleges and challenge and support employers to recruit more young people into their workforce.” Willie Wood, HR Director at Johnstons of Elgin and Chair of the new DYW regional group said: “As chair of the Moray DYW group I am delighted that funding has been approved. As a group we will be actively pushing initiatives so as industry and education, can, together, develop the young workforce of Moray for the future.” Sarah Medcraf, Chief Executive of Moray Chamber of Commerce and Director of DYW Moray said: “Led by local employers and shaped by regional needs, this initiative will provide a new way of resolving the issues of skills gaps and to help get young people into work in Moray. We will focus on working with employers and education providers to ensure that school and college leavers are better prepared for the world of work. We need to ensure that education focuses on employment and progression in learning, that Modern Apprenticeships are focused on industry needs, and that more employers are engaging with education and recruiting young people.” “Youth unemployment has been shown to have long-term impacts for individuals and the economy and addressing these issues will require a real commitment from both employers and education providers.” “We are delighted to be at the forefront of this initiative which will contribute to the economic future of Moray. A Project Manager and Support Assistant will be recruited for this initiative and a launch event will take place once they have been appointed.” Please feel free to contact Sarah on smedcraf@moraychamber.co.uk or call 01343 543344 for more information.