Project Description

Industry: Employers and Partners from a broad range of Sectors
Programme: Dunfermline High School Career and Pathway Evening
Activity: Work Inspiration & Preparation / Routes and Pathways
Businesses: Various employers and partners
Name of School: Dunfermline High School

Dunfermline High School partnered with DYW Fife and a broad mix of local employers, training organisations, colleges, and universities to deliver its largest careers event to date. Almost 600 attendees engaged with exhibitors across the assembly hall, canteen, and ground-floor street. The event improved pathway awareness, aligned opportunities to local employer requirements, and created live outcomes, several senior pupils secured part-time roles whilst giving DYW Pupil Ambassadors and Senior Pupils a platform to demonstrate professional behaviours and event leadership. 

 

Objectives 

• Inspire young people by showcasing the breadth of local pathways into apprenticeships, training, college, university, and work. 

• Support positive destinations by connecting pupils directly with employers and providers offering real opportunities. 

• Build employability skills through live networking, communication, and proactive engagement with exhibitors. 

• Align activity with local labour-market demand (construction, hospitality, education, health & social care). 

 

Partners included 

• DYW Fife – brokerage and partnership support; coordinated employer outreach and promotion. 

• Local employers & training organisations – engaged to present roles, pathways, and entry requirements; offered live opportunities and follow-ups. 

• Colleges & universities – provided subject guidance, entry-requirements insight, and progression advice. 

• Parents/carers – amplified reach and attendance; supported informed decision-making at home. 

• DHS DYW Pupil Ambassadors & Senior Pupils – hosted exhibitors, managed wayfinding, and supported smooth delivery; praised for professionalism. 

 

Why employers got involved: to meet future talent early, support community engagement, raise brand visibility, and strengthen the local skills pipeline.
 

Learners involved 

 S2–S6 pupils (with family attendance); DYW Pupil Ambassadors and Senior Pupils in hosting/operations roles; almost 600 total attendees engaged with exhibitors. 

Promotion and coordination with DYW Fife, employers, training organisations, and parents/carers brought the community together and ensured a diverse exhibitor mix aligned to local demand. 

 

Careers Evening – Dunfermline High School 

 

Exhibitor stalls distributed across multiple spaces to reduce congestion and encourage fuller conversations. 

Targeted sector presence in construction, hospitality, education, and health & social care—supporting inclusive access to growth industries. 

High-quality interactions: pupils and parents discussed subject choices, entry routes, and local opportunities; several seniors secured part-time jobs on the night. 

 DYW Pupil Ambassadors and Senior Pupils enabled smooth operations and a welcoming environment; their proactive attitude was commended by exhibitors and visitors. 

 

Outcomes and impact 

• Clearer understanding of routes (apprenticeships, college, university) and subjects required. 

• Increased motivation and confidence to make informed choices about next steps. 

• Immediate outcomes: part-time jobs secured; follow-up conversations agreed for experience and applications. 

• More inclusive engagement than previous years, with better flow and access across venues. 

• Technical & transferable skills 

• Communication, networking, and professional conduct developed through live conversations. 

• Event operations experience for Ambassadors and Senior Pupils (teamwork, initiative, customer service). 

• Problem-solving and resilience supported by navigating busy spaces and varied enquiries. 

 

Pupil & Parent Feedback 

“My child is in S2 and this was really helpful to speak to universities about which subjects they look for. Thanks for organising a great event which left my child feeling motivated and enthusiastic for their school journey.” 

 

“Event was brilliant and well organised. Lots of variety of stalls. Young people who helped including my daughter did very well helping and although she didn’t get home till late she secured a part time job to help her through uni. Looking forward to next years.” 

 

“Nothing to improve on. A fantastic selection of HEIs and employers. Well spread out. Much less congested than previous year. Enjoyed having to walk all the way round to go to each university rather than having them all next to each other. Nice touch with the colouring pencils out for younger children. My son is S4 and following the careers fair is now convinced he wants to go to university. Daughter in S2 a little disappointed police Scotland couldn’t make it but an S6 girl saw her looking dejected and gave her advice about joining the police Scotland youth volunteers. Well done DHS.” 

 

“overall It was really helpful” 

 

“Everyone loved it! All of the seniors I spoke to thought it was great” 

 

“I thought it was good and I got to speak to a few exhibitors and it was helpful.