Project Description

DYW Fife hosted its annual Business Breakfast of 2024 on Thursday, March 14th, at the Dean Park Hotel in Kirkcaldy, followed by a Manufacturing and Engineering Showcase. The event aimed to bridge the gap between businesses and education, with a particular focus on Manufacturing and Engineering. Keynote speakers included Paul Sheeran from Scottish Engineering and Neil MacGregor, representing Fife Council Building Services. The event provided a platform for dialogue, networking, and collaboration between industry leaders, educators, and young people. 

Participation and Highlights 

The event attracted a diverse audience from the manufacturing and engineering sector, including representatives from businesses, schools, and industry organisations. Attendees had the opportunity to engage with DYW Fife team members and DYW School coordinators, gaining firsthand knowledge of the benefits of participating in DYW initiatives. Keynote speakers Paul Sheeran and Neil MacGregor provided valuable insights into the importance of industry-education partnerships and encouraged businesses to support the Young Persons Guarantee. 

A heartfelt thank you was extended for the inspiring discussion with industry leaders and talented young people from across Fife. Special recognition was given to the dedication of young people involved with DYW Fife, including Amy, Donovan, Shannon, and Olivia. They were acknowledged for their inspiring contributions and personal testimonies. 

Manufacturing and Engineering Showcase 

Following the breakfast, businesses showcased their products and services at the Manufacturing and Engineering Showcase. S3 pupils from 18 High Schools in the region attended, along with targeted S4-6 pupils interested in the sector. The showcase provided students with a hands-on experience, allowing them to explore the latest innovations in manufacturing and engineering and learn about future career opportunities. Lunch was provided to all exhibitors, fostering networking and collaboration. 

Testimonials from Young People: 

  • Ellie – S3 Inverkeithing HS: “Today has helped me a lot to see what opportunities are out there for when i leave school and it has also given me a better idea of what i want to do when i leave school.” 
  • Will – S3 Dunfermline HS: “I thought the day was highly informative and enjoyable whilst giving a good insight into engineering companies and apprenticeships. (The free things were a bonus).” 
  • Michal – S3 St Andrews RCHS: “It was a great experience and I learnt a lot about what different companies do and about the sectors they operate in.” 
  • Erin – S3 Dunfermline HS: “Really interesting to go round all different engineering type jobs and apprenticeships and the people there were really friendly and informative.” 
  • Leon – S3 Madras College: “Amazing, got lots of information and treats, very helpful and now I have a good idea of what I am doing when I leave school.” 

Testimonials from Employers: 

Leviton Network Solutions Europe: “Thank you for inviting us to be a part of a really inspiring event.”

Clare Stephen, Founder of Wild Workforce, Scotland LLB, DipLP: “Absolutely inspiring to hear the incredible journeys of the young people and the positive impact of DYW and Career Ready. Thank you for a great event!” 

Olivia Ewan, Graduate Manufactuing Test Engineer at Raytheon Technologies: “this was by far one of the best careers based events I have attended! The young people were confident in asking their questions and incredibly engaged.” 

CPO Dougie Barbour, Royal Navy: “The event was brilliant, I’ve got nothing but good things to say about the event, the young people and DYW Fife.  I’m very encouraged about the potential for success working with DYW Fife.” 

Conclusion 

DYW Fife’s Business Breakfast and Manufacturing Showcase provided a platform for industry leaders, educators, and young people to come together and explore opportunities in the manufacturing and engineering sector. By facilitating dialogue, networking, and hands-on experiences, the event empowered the future workforce and strengthened partnerships between businesses and education. Moving forward, DYW Fife remains committed to organising similar events to support the growth and development of industries in the region.  

Employers interested in getting involved are encouraged to reach out to DYW Fife for further information and opportunities for engagement.