Careers advice pilot a success

Airdrie Academy has been piloting an expanded Skills Development Scotland (SDS) careers advice service.

The school hosted a busy special event for parents and carers whose youngsters were making subject choices, highlighting job opportunities, skills being sought by employers, career management skills and SDS services including information website My World of Work.

It formed part of SDS’ expanded careers guidance in schools, which will see pupils first meet a careers adviser during Primary Seven transition visits or early in first year; one- to- one interviews ahead of making subject choices in which parents and teachers will also be involved; and group careers sessions, targeted support and drop-in clinics.

This expanded programme began in June and is now being rolled out to every state secondary school in Scotland.

Ruth Noble, who is the SDS careers adviser at Airdrie Academy, said: “Parents and carers at the event said they felt better equipped and more confident on where to find information and support.

“There was a lot of praise for My World of Work, especially the information in the parents and carers section.

“It was a real team effort across SDS and the school, and we’re already looking into how we can build on the success of these events next year.”

Depute head Mary Jane Hunter added: “We know that pupils who get good support from home and work with the school are more likely to succeed.

“Giving parents and carers an overview of labour market information was a key part of the event; SDS give that wider context on skills and future jobs, and the parents were really interested and appreciative.”

Our daughter