Secondary

In Secondary schools, Developing the Young Workforce will be an integral part of the a Curriculum, influencing both what and how courses and Wider Achievement opportunities are delivered. As a result, Young People will gain access and support from some or all of the following professionals:

 

All pupils are entitled to a Broad General Education (BGE) until the end of S3 with final course choices made by pupils at this stage. One of the aims of DYW is to provide pupils with the opportunity to develop skills for life, learning and work through a range of programmes/activities embedded into the S1-3 BGE curriculum.

During the Senior Phase, the aim of DYW is to guide schools on the provision of appropriate Curriculum offerings and Wider Achievement opportunities, all designed to prepare pupils for further study and the world of work. There will be continuing focus on Career Education, with opportunities for all pupils to reflect on strengths and weaknesses, undertake target setting as well as experiencing the world of work through work placements, as described in the DYW Work Placements Standard. Support from school staff and partners will also be given to pupils as they make their career choices, write applications and face many types of selection processes as they progress from education into the workplace.

 

Skills Development Scotland (SDS)

SDS has developed a programme of support for youngsters as they proceed through school. Each school will have a designated SDS Advisor who will work with groups of youngsters, as well as individual pupils, as they progress through school. SDS Advisors will also meet with parents to help support youngsters as they plan the transition from school to adult life. SDS has also created My World of Work, a useful careers resource for pupils and parents.

 

 

Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF)

SCQF is Scotland’s national qualifications framework. The SCQF supports lifelong learning and can help:

  • people of all ages and circumstances to access appropriate education and training over their lifetime, so as to fulfil their personal, social and economic potential,
  • employers, learners and the general public to understand the full range of Scottish qualifications, how qualifications relate to each other and to other forms of learning, and how different types of qualification can contribute to improving the skills of the workforce.

For more information visit the SCQF website.

 

Colleges/Universities

Aberdeenshire schools can access various vocational courses through various colleges. Visit the Colleges/Universities section to find out more.

 

Community Learning & Development

CLD staff may offer some programmes which focus largely on skills development to enhance the curriculum and allow for more individualised pathways for youngsters. CLD also offer programmes to aimed at those who are no longer in Secondary education and have not moved into Further/Higher Education.  More information can be found by visiting our Young People 16-24 page.

 

Career Ready

Career Ready is a UK-wide charity which links employers with schools to open up the world of Work to young people. It involves pupils undertaking a 2 year programme during which time, pupils are supported by business mentors, attend Masterclasses exploring skills and qualities required in the world of Work and attend a 4-week long internship, during school holidays, between S5 and S6.

More information can be found by visiting the Career Ready website or by speaking to school staff with the responsibility for managing the programme.

 

Wider Achievement

Depending on the school, opportunities to experience Wider Achievement opportunities may be accessed by pupils. A list of some of the current initiative being run in some Aberdeenshire schools is listed below:

For more information, contact your schools’ DYW lead who can further advise on potential for introducing these, or other Wider Achievement opportunities, into the curriculum and/or extra-curricular programmes.

 

Catherine Busson-2

Work Placement Unit

The Work Placement Unit is responsible for liaising with schools and employers to facilitate work experience opportunities for pupils in S4 to S6 across Aberdeenshire.

This page outlines the various routes open to young people seeking a work placement and the procedure required for each one. It also includes information for companies and organisations interested in offering work placements as well as links to other work-related opportunities.