Blog Archives

Developing my skills further

27/2/2019

DYW Orkney’s very own Modern Apprentice (MA) Natasha is writing a blog as she progresses through her MA. In this fifth instalment, she tells us how she has now progressed onto the next level of her MA and explains the differences she has encountered between the SVQ Level 2 and 3.

DYW Orkney Newsletter

26/2/2019

The latest issue of the DYW Orkney Employer's Newsletter has been published.

This issue includes details of a School Leavers' Programme we are currently running with Skills Development Scotland, an update on Scottish Apprenticeship Week which kicks off next week and details of a Careers Week recently held at Stromness Academy.

You can read the newsletter below.

Employer's Newsletter

Pupils visit site of new Care Home

25/2/2019

Pupils from Stromness Academy were given a tour of the Care Home by Orkney Builders.

Pupils from Stromness Academy were recently given a tour of the site of the new Stromness Care Home.

During the Careers Week the school recently held, pupils who were interested in a career in construction were invited to view the site. On Friday 22 February 2019, pupils interested in careers in design, nursing and the care profession visited the site.

The tour was provided by Orkney Builders, who are constructing the care home at Garson. Pupils were given a chance to view the outside of the building, considering how the design of the building was sympathetic to its surroundings and also reflected the needs of users and visitors to the facility.

They were then given a tour of the inside of the building and were shown one of the bedrooms, a communal area and the kitchen facilities.

Throughout, they were asked to consider how the architect had considered the needs of the users, keeping accessibility at the forefront of design. They were encouraged to ask questions as they went along, learning more about the facility and the design elements.

Thank you to Stephen and Craig from Orkney Builders for the informative and interesting tour, and for answering the pupils’ questions.

Spreading the word about Foundation Apprenticeships

15/2/2019

Information packs with details about Foundation Apprenticeships were handed out to teachers, pupils and parents.

We’ve had a busy week spreading the message about Foundation Apprenticeships.

On Monday, we held an information evening for senior teaching staff, guidance teachers and careers advisers from local schools. This event was supported by staff from the Work Based Learning Hub at University of the Highlands and Islands and Curriculum Leads from Orkney College UHI.

Those present were given an overview of Foundation Apprenticeships in Scotland and heard some of the success stories from elsewhere in Scotland. The curriculum leads then spoke in more detail about the frameworks being offered in Orkney in 2019, highlighting the academic aspect of the subjects and the benefits the vocational, work placement element offers young people.

On Tuesday we attended the Senior Phase Parent's Evening at Stromness Academy to speak to parents about the Foundation Apprenticeships being offered.

Thursday saw us, along with Orkney College, delivering an input to all teaching staff at Stromness Academy, as part for their in-service training.

All of these inputs have been really beneficial as they have enabled us to inform those who support young people about the options available. We have also been able to answer any questions they may have and help them understand the various options available to learners as part of the Orkney Offer.

There will be four Foundation Apprenticeships available in Orkney next year. They are Business Skills, IT: Software Development, Social Services and Healthcare and, Social Services: Children and Young People. If you would like to learn more about what the can offer, speak to your careers advisers, guidance teachers or Orkney College.

Thanks to Orkney College, University of the Highlands and Islands and local schools for their support at these inputs.

Careers Week at Stromness Academy

12/2/2019

Careers Week kicked off with an interactive assembly attended by all S3 pupils.

Pupils at Stromness Academy have been taking part in a careers week to inspire and inform them of the variety of jobs available to them, helping them to imagine their own future.

The week was targeted at pupils in S3 to support them as they make their subject choices for S4, a process which will start them on the journey to their preferred post-school destination.

Local Businesses visit Orkney College Engineering Department

7/2/2019

Local employers were invited to view the Engineering Department at Orkney College UHI.

Local businesses were recently invited to visit the Engineering Department at Orkney College UHI to view the facilities, meet teaching staff and learn more about the courses on offer.

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