The Developing the Young Workforce (DYW) Delivery Plan 2025–2028 has been designed by the council and partner organisations.

It will support young people aged 3–18 to build successful futures by providing relevant and meaningful curriculum experiences, work related learning opportunities and important skills such as creative thinking, working with others and entrepreneurship.

These skills will help young people thrive and cope with current and future changes.

The innovative plan outlines a clear vision: every young person in North Lanarkshire will have access to meaningful opportunities that prepare them for life beyond school and into employment.

It builds on the council’s recent successes, including improved school leaver destinations and increased participation in Higher and Further education, training and employment.

“We are proud of the work being done across our schools and communities,” said Councillor Michael McBride, Convener of Education, Children and Families. “Our young people are gaining relevant awards, qualifications, skills and experiences that will help them to thrive.

“With strong collaboration across council services, schools, colleges, employers, and community organisations, North Lanarkshire is leading the way in preparing young people for the future.”

The delivery plan places the individual needs and aspirations of each young person at the heart of its approach. Its key aims include:

• Providing industry-recognised qualifications and work-based learning experiences.
• Ensuring equitable access to opportunities for all young people, especially those facing barriers.
• Building confidence, motivation, and a strong sense of self-worth.
• Strengthening relationships between young people, families, schools, employers, and partners.

Andrew McPherson, Deputy Chief Executive, added: “This plan is about making sure every young person has a chance to succeed, no matter their background. We’re working together to build a future full of opportunity.”

Developing the Young Workforce Delivery Plan 2025-28 sets out clear goals for the next three years, including:

• Improving initial and sustained school leaver destinations.
• Increasing the number of young people entering volunteering, personal skills development and training.
• Expanding access to qualifications such as Foundation Apprenticeships and Higher National Certificates.
• Growing enterprise and entrepreneurship activities across schools.
• Developing creative vocational learning spaces within the school estate.

The plan is already making a difference. One young person shared: “I started my own business from the stuff I learned at Pathways.”

While another said: “My Foundation Apprenticeship gave me confidence and experience. I was more prepared for the world of work.”

The report was approved by members of the Education, Children and Families committee on Tuesday 9 September 2025.

School leaver destinations (2024/25):

• 94.7% the highest percentage of positive leaver destinations achieved.
• 68.6% entering higher and further education and 24.3% entering employment, which is above the national average.
• Annual participation measure (percentage of young people 16-19 years old in education, training and employment) reached 92.8%, the highest percentage achieved to date.
• Number of pupils in unknown destinations has decreased year on year.