Local businesses Carpe Diem Tattoo Studio, Tilted Duck Vintage, Verdala Properties and Le Freak Records are spearheading the campaign which aims to attract businesses from a broad range of sectors across Dundee and Angus.

DYW Dundee & Angus work with every secondary school across the area engaging with over 4800 12-18-year-olds over the last two years. They are looking to build on that success by connecting young people seeking employment and careers guidance with local businesses as an effective way to grow talent.

Hilary Roberts, manager at DYW Dundee & Angus, said: “Young people offer a way to gain a real understanding of how a business can appeal to the next generation. We’re looking to marry that insight and enthusiasm with businesses interested in developing a motivated and skilled workforce.

“According to a government report 86% of employers said apprenticeships helped develop skills relevant to their organisation. It’s a dynamic combination; not only can a business help a young person progress their career, it’s a way for the business to invest in itself.”

Starting out as an tattoo artist apprentice, Andrew Burns owner of Carpe Diem Tattoo Studio, knows the full value of investing in young people. He said: “My career as a tattoo artist didn’t kick off until the age of 27. My job at the time was selling car parts and although I had a keen interest in art, a career as a tattooist had never crossed my mind however I was able to change direction completely, I now own my own tattoo studio and apprentices are an integral part of the business.

“We’ve had the pleasure of working with hard working and dedicated individuals, some of which are still with us. The benefits of working with young people are endless. As well as passing on your knowledge to the next generation, you can learn a great deal from them.”

Changing career paths, Janet Cameron, owner of Tilted Duck in Dundee, understands the anxieties young people face about finding the right career path. Janet left a job in finance to fulfil her dream of owning a vintage shop, combining her passion for fashion and sustainable living.

She commented: “I really had no idea what I wanted to do when I left school and after graduating from Duncan of Jordanstone, I worked in finance for over eight years. I needed a change in career and find a creative outlet, this is when I set up Tilted Duck and I found my calling.

“There’s so much pressure to know exactly what career path to follow when you leave school, when in reality it can take a number of wrong turns to figure the path that’s right for you.

“I employ a student who works in the shop part time. As much as she’s gaining important skills that can be transferred into other jobs, I’ve also learnt a great deal in terms of hearing a young person’s perspective, helping the business connect with a younger audience.”

Identifying a niche in the market, Scott Bremner set up Verdala Properties to sell homes with a more personal approach. He said: “Estate agency is all about the wow factor, creativity, forward thinking and being a little bit fearless. Working with young people and actioning their views ensures we continue to learn and deliver a modern approach. Young people have grown up with different experiences of communication and technology than myself, making it vital to listen to their voice when developing this business.

“Within the property sector, there are roles including admin support, business development, marketing and customer service. We also work with other businesses such as solicitors, mortgage advisors, accountants, architects, tradesman, property developers and stylists. Unfortunately, real-life estate agency is not like the Netflix documentaries, but it is a brilliant sector to gain skills in communication.”

Jack La Feuvre set up Le Freak Records Dundee as a way to unite his passion for music and aspiration to be his own boss.

He said: “I changed jobs a lot after graduating with an English degree. Those experiences made me realise that I wanted to work for myself and create a business that made a real difference in our community. Le Freak Records was set up to do just that. It’s not just a place to buy music, but a space that people can come together and connect.

“Building the business up was an experience and we couldn’t have done it without the work experience we’d gained from working for other businesses.

“We’ve got big plans in the pipeline, some of which are geared towards our young people. They are the future after all.”