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£1 million to recognise employers that make young people their business. 

A new accolade for businesses with a strong track record of recruiting and developing Scotland’s young women and men will receive £1 million funding from the Scottish Government.

Investors in Young People, a key recommendation from the Commission for Developing Scotland’s Young Workforce, will be rolled out by Investors in People Scotland who already support and recognise employers who support their wider staff population.

The funding will be used to develop and promote the award with a view to having around 800 employers in Scotland signed up over the next three years.

Cabinet Secretary for Training, Youth and Women’s Employment Angela Constance visited NVT Group in Bellshill, an early adopter for the scheme. She said:

“The report from the Commission for Developing Scotland’s Young Workforce has the potential to truly transform vocational education and training in Scotland. The Scottish Government has already shown its intent by investing an initial £4.5 million in taking forward a number of elements.

“A consistent theme of my work as Cabinet Secretary has been to highlight the benefits to employers of making young people their business and I have seen various examples of good practice around the country.

“Rolling out an accolade to recognise firms that have taken a particular interest in supporting our young women and men was a key recommendation from the Commission. Investors in Young People is available only in Scotland and is another demonstration of how the Scottish Government and Scottish employers are committed to supporting young people into employment and growing their own talent.

“Tapping into the talents of a young, diverse workforce is not just the right thing to do but that it makes economic sense, for employers and for Scotland. I am very pleased that a number of significant employers, including NVT, also a key infrastructure provider for the Commonwealth Games are already on board and expect them to be the first of many to sign up.”

Peter Russian, Chief Executive of Investors in People Scotland added:

“Investors in People believe in realising the potential of people. Giving people the opportunities to succeed is at the heart of our ethos and we recognise the value Young People can bring. We recognise the challenges faced by businesses in recruiting the right people to help them succeed and have learned from the best that recruiting and developing young people is a great way to build a dynamic and productive workforce. Investors in People knows that Young People are creative, ambitious and inventive. They take the initiative, motivate others and offer fresh perspectives to take your organisation to where it wants to be.”

Hamish Fraser, Director of NVT Group, Bellshill also said:

“We are using our expertise to optimise the technology required for a modern global event. The Games contract has opened up opportunities for young people to gain valuable training and we are doing the right thing by creating a legacy through the development of apprenticeship opportunities. NVT has ambitious growth aspirations and our involvement in Glasgow 2014 is an excellent way to showcase our business on a global stage.”

Notes To Editors

Investors in Young People will:

• Challenge and encourage employers to consider the capacity and capabilities they need to achieve their goals and objectives
• Provide a clear link between organisational need and the recruitment and development of young people
• Offer guidance and encouragement to employers to access the range of support services available
• Provide recognition to employers who are effective in their approach to recruiting, retaining and developing Young People.