Support in Edinburgh

Entry level opportunities within organisations offer a great stepping stone for young people to begin their employment in the world of work. It gives them a strong foundation for developing their skills, knowledge and experience, with the potential to advance in the future.

We encourage employers to revisit job descriptions and identify where a young person could be the right person for the job. We also offer support and guidance for employers recruiting school leavers.

Download the Employing a Young Person factsheet for more information.

Modern Apprenticeships are structured work-based training towards an industry approved qualification. A modern apprenticeship offers employers the opportunity to recruit and train young people for their organisations. This is done through a combination of paid employment, on-the-job training and an accredited industry recognised qualification. A Modern Apprentice could be a new member of staff or an existing employee seeking to increase their capability.

Modern Apprenticeships give employees aged 16+ an alternative way to gain the skills, experience and qualifications to start a career within their chosen sector, without the need to study full-time. In addition, Modern Apprentices also gain a number of core skills including communication, numeracy, problem solving, working with others and IT skills.

Modern Apprenticeships are available across a wide range of sectors such as retail, business administration, hospitality and finance. 

Download the Modern Apprenticeships factsheet for more information. 

School leaver Internships give employers the opportunity to offer a short term, tailored opportunity to a young person.

Internships generally last for 6 months but can be longer. Employers use internships where they have specific roles that would enable a young person to get a taste of the work that is carried out within an organisation.  They provide a great platform for moving a young person onto permanent employment or a Modern Apprenticeship at the end of the Internship.

Internships can be project specific or general, but both offer the young person and employer the chance to identify strengths, skills, abilities and interests which can then be aligned with an opportunity within the organisation.

The JET Academy is a work-based learning programme for S4-S6 school pupils which combines school education with vocational training and work experience. It is the Edinburgh model for the implementation of Developing the Young Workforce National Work Placements Standards.

Can you offer a meaningful work placement that is progressive and challenging? This can help to improve career choices, inspire young people to work for you and secure talent flow. By providing regular feedback to the JET Academy staff and the young person, you will help to develop and shape the attitudes, skills and knowledge that a young person needs to enter the world of work.

Download the JET Academy factsheet for more information. 

Set up by the business community in 2002, Career Ready (formerly Career Academies UK) is a registered charity which leads and supports a national movement of employers, schools and colleges, working to raise the aspirations and life chances of 16 to 19-year-olds.

Career Ready's expertise lies in bringing together the world of business and school to deliver an inspirational programme that includes mentoring, 'guru lectures' and internships. Career Ready students follow a rigorous two-year enrichment programme from 5th year while at school aged 16 alongside their school curriculum, enabling students to progress to higher education or the world of work from a much more informed, inspired and confident base. 

A total of 3,000 employee volunteers from 1000 organisations around the UK contribute time and skills to Career Ready as mentors, hosting paid internships, networking/workplace visits and as guest speakers in the classroom. Employer supporters range from SMEs to multinationals and cover both the private and public sector. None of what the charity does is possible without employer support.

Download the Career Ready factsheet for more information. 

Marketplace is an online tool making it easy for you to build connections with schools and colleges.

Get involved in inspiring, informing and investing in young people. Pass on your knowledge of your sector through workshops, talks, workplace visits, online support or even competitions. 

Build young people's job readiness, increase their career options and grow their knowledge of the world of work. At the same time, source your future workforce, address skills gaps and shape young talent.

Developed in partnership with Skills Development Scotland, Marketplace is quick and easy to use.

All you need to do is fill out a form to tell us about the opportunity you want to offer. Once approved your offer will be posted on an online noticeboard. Schools and colleges then get in touch with you. It's that simple.

Register or log in to Marketplace here.