Celebrating 10 Years of DYW North Highland

12th October 2025

North Highland Chamber of Commerce is celebrating a decade of Developing the Young Workforce (DYW) North Highland, a significant milestone marking ten years of empowering young people across Caithness and Sutherland.

DYW is a Scottish Government-supported initiative that operates across Scotland to help young people enhance their employability skills and become aware of the opportunities available to them. With 26 regional groups, it is a vital part of Scotland's careers and skills system, supporting young people as they prepare for the world of work.

In 2015, the Chamber took a bold step. While the Government initially proposed a single Highland-wide DYW group managed from Inverness, the Chamber recognised that a one-size-fits-all approach wouldn't meet the unique needs of our North Highland communities. By rallying stakeholders, educators, employers, and community leaders, we successfully lobbied for a dedicated regional group and DYW North Highland was born.

Ten years on, that decision continues to prove successful and DYW North Highland is now a cornerstone of youth development in the North Highland region. There are dedicated school coordinators in place supporting schools across Caithness and Sutherland.

From classrooms to workplaces and beyond, the team has delivered thousands of events, supported a generation of young people, and built a strong, positive narrative about the future of work in the North Highlands.

Over the past year alone, with the support of 158 employers, the team has delivered 214 events and engaged in 8,332 interactions with young people, from primary pupils to S6 students. These included mock interviews, careers fairs, workplace visits, talks and workshops, specialist training sessions, and awareness campaigns, all designed to inspire confidence, build employability skills, and open doors to meaningful opportunities.

There have been many highlights over the past 12 months, here’s just a flavour of what’s been happening across the North Highland region:

The return of Step into STEM, a full-day programme for Thurso and Wick High School students, designed to showcase career opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

A confidence-building outdoor activity weekend in the Cairngorms for young people from across the region, designed to promote personal growth, teamwork, and resilience.

Launching a new work experience programme with the NHS, which included hands-on tasks in midwifery, renal care, and nursing. Students also visited Pulteney House Care Home to gain insight into adult social care.

Hosting motivational speaker Dee Bleakley, who completed a whirlwind tour of schools across the region. His inspiring sessions focused on teamwork, self-motivation, and personal growth, while helping students enhance their presentation and collaboration skills.

Inviting employers from across the region and beyond to visit both primary and secondary schools to share their experiences at our career’s fairs, open events, workshops and class talks. And also holding sessions on apprenticeships, where current and former apprentices offered first-hand insights into their journeys.

Hosting the FIRST LEGO League Challenge North Highland Tournament at ETEC in the UHI North, West and Hebrides for a fourth year with primary and secondary schools across the region.

Going ‘behind-the-scenes’ to learn about career pathways in the film and TV industry in the Highlands and Islands with UHI, IntoFilm and Screen Highland, with hands-on workshops and activities.

Renewable energy workshops with Earth Energy Education, including designing and testing blades for mini wind turbines, conducting biodiversity studies and tracing energy flow from source to grid.

Making the most of the Thurso Newton Room to explore career possibilities in space, learning about satellite programming and launches, as well as rocket design and encouraging students to quite literally shoot for the stars in their future careers.

Working hand-in-hand with local businesses and education providers, DYW North Highland continues to ensure that every young person has the chance to explore their potential, make informed choices, and prepare for the world of work.

North Highland Chamber of Commerce, CEO and DYW North Highland Lead, Trudy Morris commented:

"I am hugely proud of how far DYW North Highland has come, and everything we have achieved together over the last decade. We fought hard to ensure we had our own dedicated group in Caithness and Sutherland, and DYW North Highlands has proved its immense value many, many times over since 2015.

We are incredibly grateful to businesses, educators, industry experts, and volunteers who have worked in partnership with us and acted as role models and mentors to young people in our region over the last 10 years. This support has shown young people that anything is possible and helped shape a brighter future for our region. Here’s to the next decade of creating opportunity, providing inspiration, and delivering impact for the North Highlands."