Business leaders are being encouraged to bring education and industry closer together these holidays.

With the festive season in full swing and stores beginning to swell, Developing the Young Workforce Edinburgh, Midlothian and East Lothian (DYW) are asking businesses to give their time and experience to schools through the online tool, Marketplace.

Through Marketplace, businesses and education can connect simply and easily. Businesses are able to inform and inspire Scotland’s future workforce by offering skills sessions, inspiration events and career insights to help young people broaden their skills, understanding and aspirations for life, learning and work. The partnership with Founders4Schools (F4S) also means schools can make their own specific asks of business leaders to, share their career story, business expertise and passion for their industry.

Marketplace aims to makes it easy for schools and colleges to connect with business, bringing the world of work into the classroom – the importance of which is highlighted in the Curriculum for Excellence.

Michelle Fenwick, Programme Manager for Developing the Young Workforce Edinburgh, Midlothian & East Lothian Regional Group, says:
“Marketplace is a great tool for businesses to inform and inspire young people – whether by listing their own event, or making themselves available to come in to the classroom. The insights that local businesses are able to offer young people can be transformational”.

Businesses wishing to make an offer or sign up for Founders4Schools can do so at www.ourskillsforce.co.uk/marketplace and https://mywow.founders4schools.org.uk/partners/dyweme/.