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Workforce Development

YouthLink Scotland strengthened the national youth work workforce, supported international collaboration, and helped practitioners integrate Learning for Sustainability across their work with young people.

Key Achievements

Workforce Development

In 2024–25 YouthLink Scotland delivered:

3,851
learning places
137
training events/inputs
79
themes
539
participating organisations
793
new enrolments across 22 asynchronous NKBL courses

International

Policy Convention

The annual Policy Convention focused on Youth Work and Civic Engagement: International Policy Perspectives, with speakers from Scotland, Iceland, Finland, Nigeria and India, including Angus Robertson MSP.

“That working with young people has value across the world. Young people and youth voice are so important and should be nurtured and valued by those in power.”

Participant reflection

International Partnerships

 

YouthLink Scotland’s international work this year included:

 

  • Hosting delegations from Waseda University (Japan), The Tobago House of Assembly, and Birmingham City University
  • Contributing to youth work conferences in Japan and Wales
  • Representing Scotland at the Four Nations meeting with the Council of Europe Youth Department
  • Active participation in the EU/UK Stronger Together Programme, nominating three young people (including a YouthLink Scotland board member) for the final youth policy dialogue in London
  • Participation in the International Youth Policy Dialogue Network
  • Supporting NYA’s work on a national UK youth council, including international youth representation
  • Being part of the delivery team for the 4th European Youth Work Convention, maintaining links with the UK participant delegation
  • Submitting written evidence and delivering oral evidence to the Scottish Parliament’s Constitution, External Affairs and Culture Committee on the Scottish Educational Exchange Programme and the Turing Scheme
Row of flags

“I was very taken by your written submission, particularly the many quotes from the youth work sector.”

Clare Adamson MSP (Convenor)