The Public Sector Network
The Public Sector Network aims to create more opportunities for young people in the Public Sector.
The Public Sector Network (PSN) was established in March 2015 as a joint initiative of the Scottish Government and Skills Development Scotland aiming to create more opportunities for young people in the public sector.
The public sector in Scotland is a crucial contributor to the economy, employing 21% of the workforce - higher than anywhere else in the UK.
However, as a result of pressure to make cost savings, this workforce is decreasing and it is also ageing rapidly; 88% of public servants are aged over 30 and within this group, 42% are over 50.
Creating more opportunities for young people
The PSN supports the Scottish Government’s ambition of increasing youth employment through the youth employment strategy, Developing the Young Workforce, and the Young Person’s Guarantee.
The network currently consists of over 60 public bodies – from health boards to national agencies and local authorities - and promotes the latest best practice in youth employment through a series of in-person and virtual events.
The network strives to develop and coordinate a structured approach for supporting public sector organisations’ youth employment ambitions and is committed to apprenticeships as a vehicle for workforce development, economic growth and recovery.
PSN Steering Group
The Steering Group analyses the common challenges facing public sector employers, such as the ageing workforce, reliance on higher education and a lack of long-term workforce planning and helps develop innovative ways to communicate and address these issues.
The Steering Group identifies priorities for the future of the PSN, raises awareness of the scale of the public sector workforce in Scotland and promotes the breadth and depth of opportunities available.
PSN Terms of Reference
Here you will find the PSN Terms of Reference.
PSN Youth Engagement COVID-19 Impact Survey Slides 2020
Here you will find the PSN Youth Engagement COVID-19 Impact Survey Slides 2020
PSN Review
Read the latest review of the Public Sector Network.
Find out more
To find out more and to get involved in the Public Sector Network, please contact Paul Zealey at Skills Development Scotland.
Youth employment strategies from members of the Public Sector Network
VisitScotland
Andrew Cunningham, Learning and Development Manager, shares how VisitScotland has improved its Youth Employment Strategy following a review of interview practices.
NHS Lothian
Sarah Smith, Healthcare Science Professional Lead/Education and Training Lead (Labs), details the steps NHS Lothian has taken to improve its Youth Employment Strategy and the benefits that have since been identified.
SEPA
Carol Gillespie, Senior HR Adviser at Scottish Environment Protection Agency, explains how the introduction of a new graduate trainee scheme has helped SEPA improve its Youth Employment Strategy.
Aberdeenshire Council
Peter Matthews, HR Adviser at Aberdeenshire Council, shares how the council has improved its Youth Employment Strategy with their employability programme, WorkPlus.
Want to know more?
Learn more about the PSN Steering Group members.
If you would like more information email us with any general enquiries.
Find out more about how we support Scottish employers
Employer hub
The SDS employer hub pulls together all the information and support businesses need to plan for the future, in one place. That makes it easy to find out what’s out there.
Marketplace
We’re working with Scotland’s regional DYW groups to connect businesses with education and help young people broaden their career aspirations.
Skills for Growth
Free service for small businesses which provides tailored support for employers to understand the training needs of their business, helping them achieve their objectives and support growth.