Many young people in Moray see major barriers to finding jobs, according to DYW survey
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NEW surveys have revealed a disparity between how young people and businesses in Moray feel about entering the world of work.
Two surveys were conducted this summer by DYW (Developing the Young Workforce) to gather perceptions on the region's employment landscape from both young people aged 16 to 24 and local employers.
Some 43 per cent of young people surveyed said they felt they faced barriers to entering work – with only one in five saying they didn't face any.
Nearly a quarter (24 per cent) of the young people said confidence and anxiety-related concerns held them back, while more than 11 per cent cited discrimination as a factor.
However, more than four-fifths of employers (82 per cent) in Moray, Aberdeenshire and Aberdeen City believe they help young people to achieve their potential.
And nearly two-thirds of employers are satisfied with how they connect with young people. Three-quarters believe they are inspiring young people to gain skills for the world of work.
The collaboration between DYW Moray and DYW North East quizzed young people about how they perceived the opportunities available to them, while asking employers how they find their future talent.
DYW North East chairperson James Bream said: "The results show a disparity between how young people view entering the world of work and how businesses view the situation.
"The good news is that businesses are committed and are making efforts to support our young people – but we can do more.
"Perception is everything and employers will need support in understanding these perceived barriers and with that we can help to address this situation."
However, nearly half of young people (49 per cent) see the north-east and Moray as an extremely or very suitable place to work, study or train, and more than half of employers (55 per cent) see it as very suitable.
Only six percent of young people say they don't feel hopeful about their future work prospects.
Brian MacAulay, chairperson at DYW Moray, highlighted the important link the organisations play in acting as the bridge between young people and the workplace.
"Developing the Young Workforce works to connect employers with education," he said.
"It is encouraging that the survey showed 58 per cent of the businesses already engage with one of the regional DYW groups.
"What was even more heartening was that 92 per cent of them are satisfied with that engagement and 86 per cent would recommend us to other employers.
"It's a collaborative approach that will help us address the barriers our young people feel they face in entering the world of work."
