The landscape of the job market which our young people will enter, will look somewhat different to the one we know now.  New jobs will exist, while certain other occupations will become obsolete.  Digitalisation and automation, of course, play a role in this, but there are still jobs where a machine will not replace human skills or knowledge.  For this reason, it is important to reinforce to pupils that an awareness of their skills, and how to develop these, is as important as being able to talk about their national qualifications.  It is imperative that young people have the language to talk about their career management skills and experiences.  Where possible, we highlight these skills to pupils in lessons.  By encouraging pupils to think creatively or to recognise when they have used soft skills, problem solving or critical thinking skills, as well as offering them a wide berth of experiences, we are enabling them to talk proficiently and honestly about what they have to offer the world of work.

https://www.myworldofwork.co.uk/career-management-skills-and-how-they-can-help-you

My World of Work is a lifelong resource which provides information about career pathways from primary into adulthood.  Users can build a profile to discover which jobs match their interests and skillset.  It is also possible to build a CV and access information about interview processes and techniques.  As well as the wealth of information and expertise available to users directly, there is also a section designed to help parents and carers assist and support their children.

https://www.myworldofwork.co.uk/parents

You may have seen our team of My World of Work Ambassadors showcase the website at Parents’ and Option Information evenings.  We aim to ensure that all pupils are registered with an account and that they are aware of the website’s many functions.  Creating an account is quick and easy, so if you have not done so already, sign up today!

https://www.myworldofwork.co.uk/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI5v39rDS6QIVyrTtCh2yjwOrEAAYASAAEgIEcPD_BwE 

The My WoW Marketplace is also a useful way of finding out about events. Great things are going on all the time. If your child is interested in an event, they should seek permission to attend. They could even mention it to their teacher as a whole class venture.

https://www.myworldofwork.co.uk/marketplace/opportunities

With assistance and input from the Parent Council, we host an annual career event aimed at encouraging pupils to consider the type of work they may be suited to, and to offer them the opportunity to talk to employers from a wide variety of backgrounds.  The pupils involved in the event begin by creating or updating their profiles on My WoW, and researching the various careers which are of interest to them.  Keynote speakers then deliver presentations about their own experiences and offer insight into the ever-changing world of work.  We invite around forty employers to host stalls in our marketplace.  This not only offers pupils authentic knowledge about industry, but the opportunity to engage in mature dialogue with employers about jobs, qualifications and skills.  Pupils have the opportunity to reflect upon what they learn about themselves and, what’s more, about pathways to careers which they may not have considered previously.

Work experience is an essential part of any child’s education and an excellent introduction to the world of work.  We offer a flexible approach whereby pupils can arrange a placement at a time suitable to them and the employer.  Pupils can select a placement from the database available in school or they can arrange their own.  All placements must be run through the system and health and safety checks must be completed.  For this reason, self-found placements can take longer to verify and pupils are advised to allow 5-6 weeks for the checks.  Pupils are expected to make the initial contact with employers to organise the placement.  They should then pass this information on to the work experience coordinator to complete the paperwork.  Work placements can be a minimum of three days or as a weekly option on the S6 timetable.

Due to the current situation with Covid-19, all placements have been suspended.  However, a number of employers will be offering pupils the chance to take part in a virtual placement.  More details to follow.

In partnership with City of Glasgow College, Glasgow Clyde College and Glasgow Kelvin College, we have been able to offer our senior pupils a very comprehensive list of vocational courses; Applied Anatomy, Construction, Beauty Skills, Fashion, Sports & Fitness, Creative & Digital Industries, Cookery, Introduction to Teaching and several Engineering courses are to name but a few.  These courses allow pupils hands on experience in their chosen field, using state-of-the-art facilities. Pupils can also sample student life, join clubs and, of course, they obtain their very own, all-essential student (discount) card. The courses are offered on various days of the week, although most run on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons. Transport is arranged to take pupils to college and the majority make their own way home.  The courses are offered at varying levels of qualification, and on completion, there is the option to progress on to a more advanced or full time course.  This is an exciting opportunity; good behaviour and attendance are expected. To find out more and to see the full prospectus of courses, click on the link below.

https://www.eastdunbarton.gov.uk/residents/schools-early-years-and-learning/edopps4all/staying-school

Foundation Apprenticeships are also available to senior pupils. These can be a 2 year qualification over S5 & S6, or over one year in S6. Foundation Apprenticeships blend college with work-based placements, usually over two days per week. They allow pupils to specialise in a particular field, while using modern technology and gaining experience of that workplace. Pupils gain an industry recognised qualification and a head start in their chosen career.

https://fapglasgow.scot/

The DYW Twitter page is very busy with information about job opportunities, events and courses. We endeavour to contact pupils directly about opportunities relevant to them, but all pupils should follow the DYW Twitter to ensure that no one misses out. Events are organised by prominent companies from all spheres, and they offer pupils interesting and bespoke experiences, which will only enhance CVs and personal statements. Opportunities are open to all pupils, and they are a great way to make contacts and find out new things. It could be this one experience which shapes a child’s future or sets them apart from the rest. Get involved! @st_dyw

Skills Development Scotland is here to help you understand the world of work and to develop your career management skills as you move through school. We do this through our online service, My World of Work, and our careers adviser in school, Michelle Dickson. Careers advisers will help you find out about yourself, your strengths and skills, assist you make subject choices, discuss different careers and how to research them and encourage you to think about developing the types of skills which would be useful in a job. They also explore routes into careers including different kinds of apprenticeships, how to develop and build your networks and support you to create CVs, make applications and apply for courses.

Each year, all pupils in S1-4 receive a group session, all S3 pupils receive a subject choice interview and we offer a targeted service for S4-S6 individual interviews. However, all pupils can self-refer, refer through guidance or drop in at lunchtime, every day except Wednesday.

Parents and pupils can also contact us by email: michelle.dickson@sds.co.uk or via their guidance teacher.

Skills Development Scotland is an all age guidance service so we are here to help everyone and you can speak to one of our advisers by calling 0800 917 8000, Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm or you can also use our live chat on the my world of work website.

Useful websites

• www.myworldofwork.co.uk
• www.mykidscareer.com
• www.apprenticeships.scot