Rachel Scarth, Project Manager

Rachel Scarth, the Project Manager for DYW Orkney. She reports directly to the DYW Orkney Regional Group Board and oversees the delivery of the DYW programme in Orkney and manages the team to ensure that meaningful relationships are built between stakeholders, employers, education and young people to meet local and national strategic priorities.

---

"My original career plan was to become a journalist, so when I left school I studied for an HND in Journalism at Aberdeen College.  At the end of the course I still didn’t feel ready to start work and wanted to continue my studies, so I undertook an English degree at the University of Aberdeen. 

​"Following my graduation, I spent a couple of years travelling abroad and working back in Orkney before returning to Aberdeen where I got a job as a Media Officer with Grampian Police.  I stayed with the police for 11 years and in that time undertook various roles in their Corporate Communications Department.  My final role was Change Communications Officer, which meant I provided advice and support to a variety of organisational change projects following the merger of the eight regional forces into Police Scotland.

"I was ready to return to Orkney and when the DYW Orkney Project Manager’s job came up, I felt it was the right fit for me and would enable me to use the skills I had developed throughout my career, while also helping me develop further."

Why did you become involved with DYW Orkney?

"After working with the police, I was keen to keep working in an area that would contribute positively to individuals and the wider community.  I think the intentions of DYW Orkney – to improve links between education and work and increase opportunities for young people – are great and I am delighted to be working on something that will directly help local young people and have a positive impact on Orkney as a whole.

​"My own career path has been an interesting one, and not the one I planned when I left school.  Along the way I have taken on lots of work experience, as well as some part-time or temporary posts, all of which have helped me develop vital skills and knowledge.  I think it’s important that young people realise there is no wrong path and the choices they make now and in the future can benefit them as they progress their career."