By Adam CivicoDecember 21st 2021

Shetland has enjoyed high employment rates for many years thanks to its vibrant and varied economy. A new Young Person's Guarantee will help ensure that continues for the next generation as they prepare to enter the workforce.

Several Shetland companies have signed up to a new scheme that demonstrates their support for training a new generation of workers.

Firms across a broad range of sectors have pledged their backing for the Young Person’s Guarantee.

The businesses include Tingwall-based Shetland MOT & Repair, haulage firm DFDS, and software developer Mesomorphic. Their involvement reflects a broader shift towards more vocational and apprenticeship opportunities in Shetland.

The Young Person’s Guarantee is a national scheme that encourages commitment from employers, partners and youngsters to work together to ensure every 16- to 24-year-old secures a positive opportunity. In Shetland the project is overseen by the Developing the Young Workforce group, a board which brings together educators, employers, and strategic partners. It is beginning to make good progress.

'A taste of the workplace'

Shetland MOT & Repair co-owner Martin Robinson said his firm was delighted to be the first in the islands to sign-up to the scheme.

He said it was about investing time in young people to help them develop the skills needed to build a successful career – and ultimately help support the Shetland economy.

“We have always wanted to take on apprentices every year if we can,” says Martin. “This scheme gives us a bit more structure and allows us to demonstrate that we are serious about building the next generation of workers.

“First it’s about giving young people a taste of the workplace, and then teaching them the skills and attitude needed to do well at work. They might take that into a career as a mechanic or decide they want to do something different like marine or electrical engineering.”

Digital career opportunities

Some of the youngsters who have been supported by Mesomorphic.

A few miles away, in Lerwick, that approach is echoed at software company Mesomorphic.

Managing director Maria Bell explains: “When we first started Mesomorphic back in 2015, engaging the next generation of digital talent in Shetland played a major role in our vision. Over the years, we have supported numerous work placements, provided learning lunches, and played an active role in highlighting the different digital career opportunities in our local economy.

“Signing up to the Young Person’s Guarantee was the logical next step to show our commitment to helping develop our local talent, provide more local employment opportunities and continue our work to put help put Shetland on the map for its digital economy.”

Opportunities to grow

Apprentice mechanic Jamie Atkinson.Opportunities to grow

For Bryan Hepburn, operations manager for DFDS in Shetland, it makes perfect sense to invest in youth. Firstly that is because the introduction of a new generation of workers brings “energy in the business and enthusiasm”, and secondly it helps the business stay in good shape for the future.

Bryan adds: “The reason we’re investing time and money in youth is because we want to be in business for a long time and we want to give people the opportunity to come and grow with the business. The thinking is if we can provide people with the training they want, alongside them filling the job positions we need, then that is a mutual benefit that will hopefully allow us to do well together.

“That philosophy is not just for young folk but for anyone wanting to come ahead. If they can contribute to the business then we can contribute towards them.”

It is particularly important for the haulage industry to attract new workers as the problem of an “ageing workforce” has been developing for many years.

At one time, it was “perfectly good market economics” to recruit drivers from elsewhere, though that meant there was never a “serious effort to invest in young people”. That, he hopes, is changing.

“Our company has the resources and the desire to change that. We don’t feel it’s a gamble if you enter into it responsibly and work with the training providers that are out there.

“I suppose lastly it’s about energy in the business and enthusiasm. That is what young people really bring. That sense of drive, fun and exuberance. It lifts the whole place.”

If we can provide people with the training they want, alongside them filling the job positions we need, then that is a mutual benefit that will hopefully allow us to do well together.

Bryan Hepburn

Learn more about apprenticeships and graduate opportunities in Shetland.

Discover how your business could take part in the Young Person's Guarantee scheme.

Adam Civico

Adam Civico is Head of Content Marketing at NB Communication, helping deliver the Promote Shetland service.

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