A programme of free numeracy classes for adults will start at UHI Orkney later this month, and anyone looking to improve their numeracy skills is encouraged to sign up.
 
The Adult Numeracy Classes will boost people’s ability to use maths in their everyday life, at home and at work.  Improving numeracy skills can help people become more confident and improve career prospects, or help with preparation for further study.

Developing the Young Workforce (DYW) Orkney has granted funding for science kits for each of the islands’ schools.

We awarded the Raising Aspirations in Science Education (RAiSE) programme funding to purchase Meccano, coding creatures, minicomputers, toolkits, and workbenches.

These will be distributed to 19 schools, benefitting more than 1,500 children.

Colin Nisbet, RAiSE Education Support Officer in Orkney, will deliver training to all schools on how to make the most of the resources, as well as developing resources to support learning experiences and opportunities. He said:  “This funding award is incredibly welcome.  We want to bring STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) to life for our children. Educational toys and kits help to spark curiosity, ambition, and problem-solving skills in fun and accessible ways.

“I am going to work alongside our schools to offer training, advice, and ideas so we can get the most from these very valuable resources.”

In an effort to support the local economy, Colin has purchased the Meccano sets through Grooves in Kirkwall.

The sets will promote engineering through play, programming digital technology, and the use of tools. Local businesses will be profiled within the support materials and schools will be encouraged to connect with industry to further bring these lessons to life.

Rachel Scarth, Project Manager, DYW Orkney, said:  “The DYW Orkney Board are very proud of our partnership and support of the RAiSE programme.  We recognise that the development of STEM and digital skills is vitally important for the islands as we progress through a modern economy and we must be proactive in developing our young people for the future. Sparking confidence and excitement in these matters from a young age is a great way to do this.”

RAiSE, a programme of The Wood Foundation, Scottish Government, Education Scotland, and participating local authorities empowers primary teachers with the skills, networks, and confidence to develop and deliver motivating and engaging STEM learning experiences for children. More than half of Scotland’s local authorities have engaged and Colin has been in post focussing on the Orkney area for a year.

Young people across Orkney who need help applying for jobs, apprenticeships or college courses can access support from a new programme created by Developing the Young Workforce (DYW) Orkney and Skills Development Scotland (SDS).

​The ‘Planning for the Future’ career management programme is free and includes resources that young people can use if they need help writing a CV, applying for a college course, apprenticeship or job or preparing for an interview.

​Are you currently considering your next steps into education, employment or training but need some extra help?  Developing the Young Workforce Orkney and Skills Development Scotland have developed an online careers event to help you make decisions about your future.
 
The ‘Your Next Steps’ careers event provides information and advice on Work, Support and, Education and Training.  You will find a mix of videos, presentations and links to other websites to help you take your next step.