Our Principal & Chief Executive, Audrey Cumberford, joined Annabelle Ewing MSP, the Scottish Government minister for Youth and Women’s Employment, who formally launched the initiative today at West college Scotland - Paisley campus.

The West Region DYW Group aims to improve links between the College, schools and employers in East Renfrewshire, Inverclyde, Renfrewshire and West Dunbartonshire. The Group has now been awarded Government funding to set up an Executive team, which will be based at West College Scotland.

Audrey, who is also a member of the DYW Group, said:

This is an important day for young people in the west region and West College Scotland is already in a great position to undertake this valuable work.  We have partnerships with 500 employers and work with more than 3,000 senior-phase pupils in more than 40 schools across the region.

“As a College, we believe we can use those connections to ensure that our education and vocational training remains bang up-to-date, helping to secure good quality jobs for our young people and our local communities.”

Speaking at the launch, Annabelle Ewing, said:

Young people across the west region can look forward to the development of fresh career pathways to ensure they are well placed to maximise their potential

The DYW Group is employer-led and its chairman is Vic Stirling, Head of Performance at Scottish Hydro Electric Transmission.  Mr Stirling commented:

We will be encouraging employers across our region to become active partners with West College Scotland, our schools and Skills Councils to help shape learning and provide immersive experiences of the work place.

Other board members include Gary Turnbull of intu Braehead, Bob Davidson of Renfrewshire Chamber of Commerce and Maureen Ross of First Milk Limited.