Project Description

Industry: Multiple
Activity Type: Work Inspiration and Preparation / Sector Awareness
Activity Name: Scottish Careers Week Inspiration Event
Businesses involved: NHS, RAF, Merchant Navy, Royal Navy, Peek-A-Boo Nursery, On-Fife.com, Sky TV, CTDi, Semefab, Robertson Construction, Trend Technologies, Skills Development Scotland
Name of School: Glenrothes High School 

As part of Scottish Careers Week, Glenrothes High School, in partnership with Developing the Young Workforce (DYW) Fife, organised a Careers Inspiration Event to broaden learners’ aspirations and connect them with a diverse range of industries. The school invited employers and parents into the building to engage directly with young people, offering real-world insights into different career pathways. The event aimed to raise awareness of opportunities beyond school, develop employability skills, and strengthen the links between the school, families, employers, and the wider community. Alongside the in-school event, several learners also took part in work experience with CTDi, Semefab, and Robertson Construction, further enhancing the week’s impact. 

Collaborative Partners 

 Glenrothes High School 

Glenrothes High School led the planning and delivery of the Careers Inspiration Event, driven by a commitment to enhancing career education and providing meaningful employer encounters. Staff coordinated the timetable, invited parents and carers, and ensured that opportunities were accessible to learners across year groups. 

Employer and Sector Partners 

A broad mix of organisations supported the event, including NHS, RAF, Merchant Navy, Royal Navy, Peek-A-Boo Nursery, On-Fife.com, Sky TV, CTDi, Semefab, Robertson Construction, Trend Technologies, and Skills Development Scotland. Together, they represented sectors such as healthcare, armed forces, early years, media, technology, engineering, and construction. Many partners already work with the school through DYW Fife initiatives and see clear value in showcasing their industries, attracting future talent, and strengthening community engagement. 

Skills Development Scotland (SDS) 

SDS contributed expert guidance on labour market information, career pathways, and qualification routes, helping learners understand the skills and experiences required for different roles and how school subjects connect to future destinations. 

DYW Fife and DYW Ambassadors 

Through DYW Fife, Glenrothes High School’s DYW Ambassadors played a central role in planning and hosting the event. They supported logistics, welcomed employers and parents, and ensured smooth transitions for classes throughout the day, demonstrating youth leadership in promoting career education. 

Parents and Carers 

Parents and carers were actively involved, attending the event to explore opportunities alongside their young people. Their presence reinforced the importance of family support in career planning and helped extend conversations about future pathways beyond the classroom.

Programme Aims 

The Careers Inspiration Event was designed to: 

• Inspire learners and broaden their aspirations by showcasing a wide range of careers and industries. 
• Raise awareness of local, national, and global career pathways linked to Scottish Careers Week. 
• Develop key employability skills such as communication, questioning, and networking.
• Provide direct access to employers, training providers, and careers advisers.
• Strengthen partnerships between the school, employers, DYW Fife, Skills Development Scotland, and families. 
• Support young people to make informed decisions about subject choices, next steps, and positive destinations after school. 

Activity Overview 

During Scottish Careers Week, the school hall at Glenrothes High School was transformed into a vibrant careers marketplace. Employer and partner organisations set up interactive stalls, displaying information about their sectors, job roles, training pathways, and progression routes. 

Learners circulated around the hall in groups, supported by staff and DYW Ambassadors, and were encouraged to engage in conversations with each employer. They asked questions about qualifications, required skills, day-to-day responsibilities, and what employers are looking for in young recruits. Parents and carers attended alongside their children, helping to spark meaningful discussions about future options.  

Key features of the activity included: 

Interactive Employer Stalls – Representatives from NHS, RAF, Merchant Navy, Royal Navy, Peek-A-Boo Nursery, On-Fife.com, Sky TV, CTDi, Semefab, Robertson Construction, Trend Technologies, and Skills Development Scotland shared real-life stories, promotional materials, and information about apprenticeship and training routes. 

Q&A and Networking – Learners practised networking skills by initiating conversations, asking questions, and gathering information they could refer back to when making decisions about their next steps. 

Work Experience Links – In addition to the in-school event, several learners were out on work experience with CTDi, Semefab, and Robertson Construction, gaining first-hand experience in the workplace to complement the inspiration and information gained at school. 

DYW Ambassador Support – DYW Ambassadors helped welcome guests, guide employers and parents to the correct areas, and escort pupils to and from classes. Their contribution ensured maximum participation while minimising disruption to learning and showcased leadership, organisational skills, and teamwork. 

This blended approach created an engaging, hands-on experience that helped students see the direct connection between their education and the world of work. 

Impact and Outcomes 

The Careers Inspiration Event provided significant value for learners, employers, and the school community. Young people gained a clearer understanding of the breadth of careers available, particularly in sectors they may not have previously considered. They developed confidence in speaking to adults in professional contexts, improved their knowledge of entry requirements, and strengthened their ability to make informed choices about their future. 

Key outcomes included: 

• Increased awareness of multiple career pathways and sectors. 

• Enhanced employability skills, particularly communication and networking. 

• Stronger links between Glenrothes High School, employers, SDS, and DYW Fife. 

• Positive role modelling and leadership opportunities for DYW Ambassadors. 

• Greater family engagement in conversations about careers and next steps.

The contribution of the DYW Ambassadors was particularly noteworthy, as they helped create a welcoming, organised atmosphere and ensured a professional experience for both visitors and pupils. Their involvement highlighted the impact of pupil leadership within career education.

Pupil Feedback 

Callum Walker (DYW Pupil Ambassador): “It was a great week, where I got to engage with a range of employers and learn about what they offer. I did not realise there were so many careers or options out there for me.” 

Caitlin McHattie (DYW Pupil Ambassador): “I really enjoyed this week and it was great to see our hard work planning the careers week come to light and be successful.”