Scottish Water signs up to Young Person’s Guarantee

“Young people are an enormous asset to employers like Scottish Water, which is why we have our own Modern Apprenticeship scheme, graduate programmes, and placements and internships across Scotland to enable us to develop the skills and people we need to create sustainable water and waste water services in Scotland for many years to come.”

Paul Campbell
Head of Learning and Organisational Development, Scottish Water

Scottish Water is supporting young people and their skills development by signing up to the Scottish Government’s Young Person’s Guarantee, which is aimed at increasing opportunities for 16-24 year-olds in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.

We are one of the latest employers to make the pledge, 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

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.

Fiona Hyslop, the Economy Secretary, said: “I want to thank all the employers who have backed our ambitious initiative so far and recognise the importance of supporting our young people. The leadership of employers from across Scotland and from all sectors will be key in providing the opportunities that will make this a success. 

“The pandemic is having a disproportionate economic effect on our young people, reducing job opportunities just as they are starting out on their careers. 

“On top of our existing investments in employment, education and skills, in November we provided an additional £60 million for our Young Person’s Guarantee to ensure everyone aged 16 to 24 has the opportunity of work, education or training. Recognising the ongoing impact of the pandemic, we have committed a further £70 million to expand these opportunities.”

Paul Campbell, Scottish Water’s Head of Learning and Organisational Development, said: “Scottish Water is delighted to sign up to the Scottish Government’s Young Person’s Guarantee, which is about connecting young people with opportunities whether they are in employment, training or education.

“Young people are an enormous asset to employers like Scottish Water, which is why we have our own Modern Apprenticeship scheme, graduate programmes, and placements and internships across Scotland to enable us to develop the skills and people we need to create sustainable water and waste water services in Scotland for many years to come.

“Signing up to the Young Person’s Guarantee, to further support their skills development in these challenging times, fits perfectly with that.”