Celebrating 10 years of partnership with Developing the Young Workforce (DYW)

Reflecting on our journey with DYW, we can't help but feel grateful for such a productive partnership. It's been a key part of nurturing the next generation of talent, something we are truly passionate about. As a strategic partner of DYW Edinburgh, Mid, and East Lothian Council (s), together with Canon Medical Research we've had some fantastic opportunities to live out our corporate philosophy of Kyosei - translated as ‘living and working together for the common good’, which is at the heart of everything we do at Canon.

We've proudly taken part in various initiatives aimed at empowering young people and getting them ready for the world of work. It's been a rewarding journey, and we're thrilled to keep empowering the leaders of tomorrow.

Since DYW’s establishment in 2015 in collaboration with East Lothian Council, our Canon in Scotland team has dedicated support on many occasions. This commitment is further exemplified by their support for the Young Persons Guarantee (YPG), where Canon is proudly listed on the pledge list of the Young Person's Guarantee - DYW Scotland.

Our efforts have not gone unnoticed. In 2016, we were honoured with the Best Company for Youth Engagement Award, recognising their outstanding contributions to youth development and inspiring young minds in light of DYW’s aim to Inspire & Hire initiative.

One of the standout moments in our journey with DYW was the 2017 "We Are Worth It" event at Knox Academy, Haddington. This flagship event, supported by Grammy-nominated artist, KT Tunstall and attended by the CEO of East Lothian Council and DYW representatives, focused on supporting young people by providing them with insights and varied perspectives on resilience and confidence in the world of work. Alongside our company-wide ethos, the San-ji Spirit of The Three Self’s and Knox Academy’s values – ambition, respect and community.

Our commitment extends beyond one-off events. Every year, colleagues actively participate in the #NoWrongPath campaign on LinkedIn, sharing their career journeys to inspire young people and demonstrate that there are multiple pathways to success.

In early 2024, we teamed up with DYW to deliver a unique program at Knox Academy titled “Importance of Cultural Awareness in International Business.” This bespoke series of workshops included sessions on “Understanding Culture in the Workplace” and “The World of Work.” Students had the opportunity to learn from the experiences of Canon employees and complete a practical task, earning a certificate that will help them stand out in the job market. This initiative not only enhanced their work business awareness but also equipped them with valuable skills for their future careers.

Looking ahead, we continue to expand its support for DYW. In 2024, we launched a new program in partnership with Renfrewshire Council, further extending reach and impact.

Join us in celebrating ten years of Developing the Young Workforce through the #DYWDecade campaign!