Young Enterprise Scotland has been working across Scotland for 39 years, working with young people from 5 to 25 to assist them in reaching their full potential. Their work with young people extends across a broad spectrum of capabilities supporting mainstream primary and secondary schools to some of the most vulnerable young people in Scotland.

They offer young people the chance to take part in enterprise activities, develop their employability skills, help them to gain SQA qualifications as well as equip them with the necessary skills and knowledge to set up and run their own business.

They work closely with partner organisations, to develop confidence and self-esteem and boost the employability chances for the young people, within what is already a difficult economic market.

Vulnerable young people are some of the most in need of their support - and this makes the work they do with them so rewarding;

Robbie aged 24 joined the YES Programme in Edinburgh. A fully qualified plumber Robbie sadly found himself long term unemployed in his twenties. He was unable to secure employment due to his lack of experience and in turn his confidence and self-belief took a battering. Determined not to give up Robbie joined the programme (unpaid and totally voluntarily) with a view to gaining an SQA qualification - Enterprise and Employability - hoping to develop his business knowledge, improve his skills and undertake a much needed work placement. Robbie is now employed and earning money in his chosen career. The money he is earning will enable him to buy a van and set up his own small business.

Dayle joined the YES programme in Arbroath. This is what Dayle had to say about the programme:

"I would like to thank the Young Enterprise Scotland team (especially Mark!) for helping me so much. Joining the programme was one of the best decisions I have made so far in my life.  I've made fantastic new friends, I have gained experience in the industry I wish to go into (which is the most important in my eyes, and I'm sure most other people will agree too!). I also met a very successful woman during the time on the programme, and if it wasn't for the programme wouldn't get the opportunities she has to offer. She wants to take me under her "wing" and work with her as she was in my situation 10 years ago."

They are working with young people in a variety of different locations no matter where they are being educated. This includes Polmont Young Offenders Institution; Secure and Residential Units with young people leaving care; and young people from local community groups.

At the heart of the work they do with young people are their volunteers - people who give up a small amount of time to support their young people. 

They are opening their doors and inviting employers, business people and partners to come along and hear about some of the work they do directly from the people they work with. 

Keith McLauchlin, Regime Officer from HMYOI Polmont; Neil Govan, Education Manager from Kibble; and Liz Ray, Regional Manager from Who Cares Scotland have agreed to come along and share their experience of working with YES and the difference it has made to the young people they work with.

There is no expectation to sign up as a volunteer or indeed commit any time to working with YES. This is an 'Information Session' and an opportunity for you to find out more about what they do and network with other like-minded individuals.

Why not come along and find out a bit more?

To attend this event RSVP to Marlyn Hosie marlyn.hosie@yes.org.uk 

9.30am - 12.00pm followed by lunch.