The Economic Engine survey revealed that businesses are investing in practical ways to support young people and unlock talent. Four-in-ten (41%) companies polled in Scotland are using work experience or insight programmes to improve social mobility, with the same proportion introducing more inclusive hiring practices.

As UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announces plans to increase the numbers of young people gaining a technical qualification, the research also found that 37% of businesses are leveraging the apprenticeship levy to improve social mobility.

This focus on providing direct, hands-on support into the workplace is personal for Scottish business leaders, with many building their own careers on similar opportunities. Almost half (48%) stated that an apprenticeship scheme helped them get started in their career, surpassing the survey’s UK-wide average of 36%.

Businesses in Scotland are experiencing fewer difficulties plugging skills gaps than many other parts of the UK, the research finds. Just over a quarter (28%) flagged this as their biggest workforce challenge, compared to the survey’s UK-wide average of 36%. Scottish businesses are particularly struggling with changes to immigration rules and visa access however, with 44% of Scottish SME leaders citing it as their biggest barrier to accessing talent; only Northern Ireland is more affected by this, according to the survey.

Chris Meyrick, partner at BDO in Scotland, commented: “Social mobility matters to the Scottish business community and mid-sized businesses are taking real action to improve access to career opportunities through a range of initiatives – from work experience programmes to leveraging the apprenticeship levy.

“Many of today’s leaders benefitted from similar opportunities and clearly feel a sense of duty to support the next generation.

“However, providing opportunities to a wider range of young people today is not just driven by personal experience, it’s also about building a resilient workforce for the future and tackling immediate talent challenges threatening growth in the region.”