Scottish Careers Week 2023
Case study by Sandra Berwick, DYW Coordinator
As our team are preparing for an exciting few months ahead, we are reflecting on some of the fantastic career events from 2023.
In November 2023, St Mungo’s Academy had an abundant week of exciting and interactive careers workshops and events during Scottish Careers Week for all year groups shining a light on careers education and career opportunities for pupils to explore and become informed, be inspired and to make positive choices for the future.
Case study by Sandra Berwick, DYW Coordinator
Careers in Sports and Recreation – Glasgow Life at the Emirates Arena
A group of senior pupils currently studying Sports and Recreation took part in a careers’ visit to the Emirates Arena. During the visit pupils heard about the variety of careers and jobs available and key skills required. They learned more about coaching techniques and took part in cycling at the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome.
Careers in Uniformed Services; Police Scotland and the British Transport Police.
PC Joseph Roy
PC Joseph Roy delivered an information session to pupils about his career journey at Police Scotland and progression to his current role at the British Transport Police at Glasgow Central and Queen Street Stations. He spoke about the skills, routes and pathways into the British Transport Police. The young people were also keen to hear about the day to day challenges, especially stories about the Police Dogs and how to become a Police Dog Handler. The session finished with a Q&A and activity called, “Do You Fit the Bill” where the young people got chance to try on the Police Kit and Hat.
Royal Air Force – Sergeant Simon Turner
Sergeant Simon Turner delivered a session to senior pupils about careers in the RAF, exploring job roles, routes and pathways. The young people also learned about Interview Skills. The session concluded with an interactive Q&A with lots of questions from pupils who heard about Sgt Simon’s experiences in the RAF and the many countries he has worked in.
Careers in Engineering with THALES – Moon Buggies and Coding Workshop #STEM
This workshop was delivered by Thales Engineer Ryan Harrison. The young people from all year groups learned to create their own moon buggies using coding to race and transport! Thales Engineering apprenticeships were also highlighted, along with the key skills and entry requirements for these roles.
Blackwood Homes, Care and Support
Leanne from Blackwood Homes, Care and Support for delivering an information session to pupils about their Support Worker job roles. Young people can access these job vacancies from age 17 with on the job, accredited training provided as part of the employers Induction programme.
Arnold Clark – Mock Interviews
Following the launch of their 2024 apprenticeship vacancies, DYW were delighted to host a visit for Arnold Clark, Senior Early Career Adviser Lauren MacDonald. Lauren delivered a full afternoon of Mock Interviews with senior pupils, aiming to make applications. The young people fed back about how the mock interviews have helped them prepare for interviews in the future.
Results/Outcome
• Young people fed back positively about the value of the weeks’ activities
• Activities delivered to 1,008 pupils across all year groups
• High number of Equality outcomes reached – 1,008
• An enjoyable experience for the young people, employers and partners
Benefits
Sector awareness of careers, routes and pathways and skills required for variety of different sectors. Young people are now more informed and prepared to make choices about future career and options and the local labour market.
Testimonials
Mandy Burns, Cash Back Manager, Celtic FC Foundation.
“Overall, it was a really good event, a good variety of providers in attendance offering good opportunities to the young people. We would be keen to engage in future events.”
Andrew Rafferty, Solution Development Manager, Jewson – the UKs biggest Building Merchant.
“I was pleased to take part on behalf of Jewson.
I had some great discussions with the young people and hopefully it has fired some ideas on what they are capable of doing now and in the future.”
