QTS Group has become the first rail company to be awarded the Platinum Investors in Young People good practice award, one of only eight businesses in Scotland to hold this coveted title.
The rail infrastructure contractor, headquartered in Drumclog, took part in the comprehensive three-month process, which saw over 50 young people and stakeholders from around the business, be interviewed about their pathways and their experiences within QTS.
From this, the team from Investors in Young People found that QTS had a continuous commitment to attracting, supporting, recruiting, developing, and retaining young people. As a platinum employer, QTS was also noted for its strong engagement with education and youth employment providers, leading to measurable improvements in education, learning and employment opportunities for young people.
QTS Managing Director, Alan McLeish said:
“I am incredibly proud to be the only rail business in Scotland to have achieved this accolade. Our people are the lifeblood of our business and to be recognised for the investment we make into the future of industry, via our young people, is a tremendous achievement.
“In 2022, QTS celebrated 30 years in business, so to end the year with such a fantastic endorsement of our commitment to young people is a real testament to the work that we do to attract and retain talent, not only to our business, but to the rail industry too.”
Debbie Templeton, HR Manager for QTS added:
“A lot of work goes into the Investors in Young People process, so to be recognised with this Platinum award is a real honour. As a company we work hard to engage and develop our young people and will continue to do so in the future. More than 50 young people across the business, alongside mentors and influencers, came together to take part in this assessment process.
“We are committed to growing our employees from entry level, into skilled and resilient workers within the rail industry, striving to create a family culture within QTS which is underpinned by strong core values.”
Practitioner Nicola Dillon praised QTS’s achievement:
“On behalf of Investors in People Community Interest Company I would like to wholeheartedly congratulate QTS on achieving the prestigious IIYP Platinum accreditation. QTS are an ambassador for employing young people and are an employer for the sector to be benchmarked against.”
“What stands out is their companywide passion and commitment from the top down to grow their own and equip their young people to learn, develop, reach their full potential and have a rewarding career in the Rail Sector. Their focus on empowering Young People to have a voice to make a difference and having a strong culture of mental health and Financial wellbeing is also exemplary.”
