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Context: SQA identified need to create more inclusive pathways for young people and change recruitment culture.
Approach: Developed comprehensive Young Talent Strategy 2024-25 focusing on cultural change and capability building.
Implementation:
- Revised recruitment training for all hiring managers
- Secured commitment to recruit on work activity experience, not years in position
- Developed Skills Matrix (a tool to assess and track employees’ skills and competencies)
- Created mentoring programme pairing young talent with experienced colleagues
- Built young talent network for peer support
Impact:
- Five new Modern Apprentices hired August 2024, six vacancies March 2025
- Six new Foundation Apprentices and five Career Ready Interns
- Eight mentoring partnerships established
- 18 new Young Talent Network members
- Achieved Investors in Young People Gold accreditation
Key learning:
- Cultural change requires systematic approach
- Challenging traditional requirements opens opportunities
- Mentoring builds capability across generations
- Recognition validates and sustains change