Jobs bonanza could be coming to Oban
New data published by Skills Development Scotland (SDS) forecasts that 8,800 jobs will become available in the next 10 years across Argyll and Bute – and there are more opportunities and greater variety of career options than ever before.
The latest information gathered by SDS through Regional Skills Assessments (RSAs) has looked in detail at the demand for skills throughout Scotland. The assessments show some encouraging findings, particularly in highlighting growth in the demand for skilled workers in every Scottish local authority area.
Margaret Bennett, team leader for Argyll and Bute at SDS, said: ‘It’s a really exciting time for Argyll and Bute as a whole, and for Oban in particular. Oban’s university town status means that more people are staying in and coming to the area to build their careers.
‘Our skills research shows that there are opportunities across many sectors and at all skills levels, from higher level management positions to entry-level jobs.’
As a result, Argyll and Bute is becoming an even more attractive option as a place to live and work for people of all ages and stages.
The three professions forecast to experience the most significant growth in the next decade are admin and support services; professional scientific and technical; and construction. These sit alongside the top three employing sectors in Argyll and Bute – public admin and defence, accommodation and food services, and human health and social work. People living in Oban and the surrounding area no longer have to move to get the training and skills needed to get started in these careers, and a range of other professions.
For example: modern apprenticeships are offered by a variety of employers in sectors such as hospitality, scientific technologies and administration in Oban, providing the chance to gain an industry-recognised qualification while working and earning a wage.
Argyll College UHI’s Oban campus offers a range of parttime and full-time courses, ranging from introductory to degree and postgraduate level. Courses include childcare, horticulture, hospitality and business. Further and higher learning opportunities are also on offer at specialist learning centres Ballet West and the Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS) UHI.
Local schools are doing their bit to prepare pupils for the world of work too. Foundation apprenticeships are a new way for school pupils to gain work experience and a widely recognised qualification. Pupils work on real projects with a local employer, developing skills and experience while gaining a qualification at the same level as a Higher.
Schools are also getting involved with the Open University’s Young Applicants in Schools Scheme (YASS), where S6 pupils have the chance to study university-level modules alongside their other courses.
Whatever the age and stage in life, Oban has plenty to offer in terms of potential to learn, earn and develop.
If anyone needs advice in terms of advancing their career – whether just starting out in the world of work, or currently out of employment or looking for a change – SDS’s professionally qualified advisers can help.
Margaret explains: ‘Our team can offer advice on the labour market and opportunities, discuss training opportunities and help you build your skills to get the job you want.’
To find out more about support from SDS, go to www. sds.co.uk, or head along to the Oban careers centre on Albany Street. Careers information can also be accessed online at myworldofwork. co.uk, or find out more about apprenticeships at apprenticeships.scot.