Careers Week Gives Pupils an Insight into A Future Career

Stromness Academy’s annual Careers Week was held at the end of November, giving pupils an insight into the variety of careers they can undertake when they leave school.

Now in its sixth year, Careers Week was developed to support S3 pupils as they make their subject choices for their fourth year.  Throughout the week, they learn about some of the careers available to them in Orkney and further afield and hear about the different pathways they can take into their future job.

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The week began with a year group assembly where pupils took part in games and heard from an inspirational speaker; local businessman Callum MacInnes of The Island Smokery.

Callum spoke about his personal career journey starting as an apprentice engineer, before moving to Orkney and running a variety of businesses in Stromness.  He highlighted the transferrable skills he has taken into each of his roles and encouraged pupils to be the best they can be.  He reminded them that they are at an important stage where they will be making important choices and they need to aim for what they want to do.

During the assembly, Skills Development Scotland Careers Advisers also delivered a talk and provided some activities to help young people think about their options.  The session helped pupils to better understand the role of the careers adviser and how they can help the to move on from school into employment, education or training.

Lunch with an Employer sessions were held throughout the week with inputs from Orkney Island’s Council’s Youth Service team, Box’d Orkney, BAM Nuttall and Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.  These were attended by pupils from across the school.

A series of workplace visits also took place throughout the week, with pupils choosing from a visit to a construction site; a tour of UHI Orkney’s Maritime Department a north isles ferry and pilot boat; a local bakery or, a care home.  All visits gave them a chance to see ‘behind the scenes’ of a workplace, learn more about the careers available and how they can access those careers.

The week concluded with a careers fair held in the school, which was attended by 16 exhibitors.  The event was open to all S3-S6 pupils, with S1 and S2 pupils attending during a drop in over break-time.  The fair gave pupils a chance to speak directly with employers about the careers available with their business, what school subjects they can study to help them enter a particular career and learn more about the opportunities available such as work placements and apprenticeships.

DYW School Co-ordinator, Charlene Nicolson, said:  “Throughout Careers Week we worked with 25 different businesses and organisations to enable pupils to take part in workplace visits, interactive activities during Lunch with an Employer or getting a chance to speak directly with employers at the Careers Fair held in the school.

“It has been fantastic to offer pupils such a diverse range of activity and I hope they are now able to make more informed decisions when they come to make their S4 subject choices early next year.  I’d like to thank all of the employers and organisations who have supported the week so enthusiastically.”

Below you can view a selection of photos from throughout the week.