Celebrating Successful Joint Careers Events During Scottish Careers Week

Scottish Careers Week, held from 11th to 15th November, celebrates the importance of empowering young people to explore their future career paths. This year, schools across Scotland came together with Skills Development Scotland (SDS), Developing the Young Workforce (DYW), and local employers to deliver impactful events that inspired students and mentors alike. These events reflected the strength of partnerships, including the recently signed partnership agreement between MCR Pathways and SDS, aimed at enhancing support for young people across the country.

In Argyll and Bute, schools built on two years of delivering the MCR Pathways programme by hosting exciting careers-focused events at Oban High School and Hermitage Academy. At Oban High, mentors began with a joint session that introduced them to the wide range of career services offered by SDS, equipping them with valuable knowledge to support young people. This was followed by a relaxed and friendly careers fayre, where young people and their mentors met professionals from diverse industries, including journalism, paramedics, the fire service, marine development, creative industries, and more. These conversations gave students the chance to ask questions, gain insights, and explore future possibilities in a welcoming environment.

Hermitage Academy rounded off the week with an interactive coffee conversation event. SDS and school staff showcased the My World of Work website and other tools, including personal statement workshops and work experience opportunities, while DYW highlighted how they connect schools with local businesses to create pathways into employment. The relaxed setting allowed mentors to exchange ideas, leaving them better prepared to help young people identify their strengths and aspirations. One mentor commented on the great resources available and expressed excitement about using them to support their mentee in identifying the next steps.

Further north, Dingwall Academy introduced a new initiative during Careers Week: the Care Home Careers Interactive Workshop. S5 pupil and MCR Pathways young person Morgan Frame took part in this hands-on event, which brought adult social care careers to life through activities led by local care home managers, with 4 out of 6 local care homes participating. Elsewhere, young people at Inverness High School supported a careers stand alongside DYW, providing an inspiring presence for their peers.

Meanwhile, in Glasgow, SDS, the Scottish Chambers of Commerce, and MCR Pathways hosted a high-profile event at the Mitchell Library. This gathering brought key partners and stakeholders together to explore Scotland’s workforce challenges and opportunities. Guests heard about the role of career services in supporting talent pipelines and the work MCR Pathways is leading to building motivation, resilience, and confidence in young people. The session concluded with a networking lunch, sparking further collaboration.

As Melodie Crumlin, Deputy CEO of MCR Pathways, said: “Giving young people the chance to get a better understanding of the skills needed for work and opportunities in their local communities and beyond is essential. The importance of raising aspirations through inspiration lies at the heart of this. And by working collaboratively with MCR mentors, SDS, DYW, local employers, schools, and other organisations, we’ve been able to provide the right help and support throughout Careers Week and all year round, showcasing exciting industries and opportunities to some of the most vulnerable young people across Scotland.”

These events demonstrate the power of partnerships in creating meaningful opportunities for young people. Whether through workshops, career fayres, or collaborative discussions, SDS, DYW, schools, and MCR Pathways mentors are working together to help young people take the next step in their journeys. A huge thank you to everyone who helped organise and deliver these events, which are a testament to the ongoing commitment to Scotland’s young people.