Careers events held across the Western Isles

Developing the Young Workforce (DYW) Outer Hebrides marked Scottish Careers Week 2022 by hosting careers events across the Western Isles.

 

"attachment_825880" "" "300"] Sgoil Lionacleit pupils gathered in the Lionacleit Sports Centre, Benbecula.

 

Events started on Tuesday November 8 when Nicolson Institute and Sir E Scott Pupils joined employers in Lewis Sports Centre for the first full scale careers fair in the isles since 2019.

 

The event was opened by Comhairle nan Eilean Siar convener councillor Kenneth MacLeod and saw more than 700 pupils in attendance to hear from more than 30 employers as well as local education providers UHI Outer Hebrides and Comhairle nan Eilean Siar’s Employability and Apprenticeship teams.

 

Employers provided an insight into their businesses with MG Alba allowing pupils to get in front of the camera, use green screen technology and operate equipment. The fire brigade let pupils try on equipment and Bakkafrost showcased the stages of salmon development.

 

Construction company O’Mac gave one lucky winner two tickets to next year’s TRNSMT Festival and thanks to support from Lewis Builders, the Western Isles Construction Training Group, Stornoway north councillors, Skills Development Scotland and Woody’s Express Parcels, pupils had the chance to try a heavy plant simulator.

 

"attachment_825877" "" "225"] Pupils learned about the police force in Stornoway.

 

On Wednesday November 9, Castlebay Community Hall, Barra, hosted 24 employers and 123 pupils.

 

The event showcased the opportunities for young people to live, work and learn in their community.

 

A strong focus was placed on work-based learning with representation from Comhairle nan Eilean Siar’s employability and apprenticeship teams alongside Skills Development Scotland.

 

On Thursday November 10, 279 first to sixth year Sgoil Lionacleit pupils, members of the public and parents attended the third and final careers fair at Lionacleit Sports Centre.

 

Pupils had the chance to talk to 27 employers, support services and learning providers.  Employers were from a diverse range of businesses including childcare, vets, police and fisheries.

 

"attachment_825871" "" "225"] Representatives from MOWI were at the careers fair in Castlebay Community Hall. NO_F47_WICareersFair_Castlebay Pupils Talking to MOWI

 

There was representation from larger organisations including NHS, MOWI and security and defence contractor Qinetiq.

 

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar leader councillor Paul Steele said: 'It is crucial young people across the Western Isles are made aware of the range of employment, education and training opportunities available to them.

 

'It has been fantastic to see the genuine interest of young people at these events and equally the commitment of the business community to inform and inspire.'

 

Thanks were extended all the employers who participated, the schools for their continued commitment to the DYW agenda, the pupils for their fantastic engagement and a special mention to the teams at Lewis Sports Centre, Lionacleit Sport Centre and Castlebay Community Hall.

 

Photographs

 

Nicolson Institute and Sir E Scott Pupils got the chance to try on fire service equipment in Stornoway. NO_F47_WICareersFair_Stornoway Fire Service

 

Sgoil Lionacleit pupils in Lionacleit Sports Centre, Benbecula. NO_F47_WICareersFair_Uist

 

Pupils learned about the police force in Stornoway. NO_F47_WICareersFair_Stornoway Police

 

Representatives from MOWI at Castlebay Community Hall. NO_F47_WICareersFair_Castlebay Pupils Talking to MOWI