Project Description

Industry: Sport and Leisure
Programme: Sports, Health and Physical Activity Careers Fair
Activity Type: Work Inspiration and Preparation / Sector Awareness and Skills Development
Businesses involved: FitIQ Education; Aeternum CrossFit; Cowden in the Community; Fife Sport and Leisure Trust; Fife College; Kirkcaldy Rugby Club; Police Scotland; Army; Scottish Sports Futures; Outdoor Education Lochore Meadows; University of Edinburgh (PE Teaching); University of Highlands and Islands (Sports Therapy)
Name of School: Lochgelly High School 

Lochgelly High School hosted a Sports, Health and Physical Activity Careers Fair to give S2 and S3 learners meaningful contact with employers, training providers and community organisations. The event aimed to build pupils’ confidence in speaking to adults, broaden awareness of local and national career routes, and challenge the misconception that careers in sport and fitness are only for competitive athletes. 

Using an interactive quiz, pupils were encouraged to visit a wide range of stalls, ask questions and gather information. This format helped them engage with organisations they might not have approached on their own and supported career exploration across health, wellbeing, sport, community and public sector roles. 

 

Collaborative Partners 

A strong mix of employers, education providers and community organisations took part, reflecting positive local partnerships and a shared commitment to supporting Lochgelly’s young people. 

Organisations in attendance included: 

  • FitIQ Education 
  • Aeternum CrossFit 
  • Cowden in the Community 
  • Fife Sport and Leisure Trust 
  • Fife College 
  • Kirkcaldy Rugby Club 
  • Police Scotland 
  • The Army 
  • Scottish Sports Futures 
  • Outdoor Education Lochore Meadows (community sport engagement) 
  • University of Edinburgh – PE Teaching 
  • University of Highlands and Islands – Sports Therapy 

Lochgelly High School Health and Wellbeing Department – with senior pupils running their own interactive stall, gaining experience in planning, leadership and communication. 

Many of these partners also agreed to support the school throughout the year by offering work placement opportunities for learners on the Sport and Recreation course. These placements allow pupils to complete their Daily Centre Duties module in real working environments, strengthening links between classroom learning, vocational qualifications and local industry. 

This growing employer network forms a core part of Lochgelly High School’s wider Developing the Young Workforce (DYW) strategy, ensuring learners can access meaningful, sustained work-based experiences. 

Programme Aims  

The Careers Fair was designed to: 

  • Increase pupils’ awareness of career pathways in sport, health, fitness, community work and related sectors. 
  • Build confidence and communication skills when speaking with employers and professionals. 
  • Challenge narrow views of sports careers by showcasing inclusive roles beyond competitive sport. 
  • Strengthen career management skills, helping pupils explore routes into further study, volunteering, training and employment. 
  • Develop a sustained partnership network to support future placements, clubs and employer-led activities. 

Activity Overview 

Over 200 learners attended the fair during timetabled slots with their class teachers. During each session, pupils moved between employer stalls, using an interactive careers quiz as a prompt to initiate conversations and collect key information. 

Class teachers were on hand to support pupils, encourage positive interactions and help them build confidence when speaking to unfamiliar adults. Learners engaged in hands-on activities and demonstrations at stalls, making the experience practical and memorable as well as informative. 

Impact and Outcomes 

The Careers Fair delivered a wide range of benefits for learners: 

Career Management Skills 

Pupils explored multiple industries and strengthened their understanding of future options. 

Work Readiness and Employability 

Learners practised approaching employers, asking purposeful questions and gathering relevant information. 

Meta-skills Development 

Young people demonstrated improved communication, initiative and confidence when speaking with unfamiliar adults. 

Industry Insight 

Pupils gained up-to-date knowledge of local roles, training routes and community opportunities in sport, health and physical activity. 

Positive Destinations 

Several learners expressed interest in following up with organisations about clubs, volunteering, or further discussions about careers. 

Social and Personal Development 

Feedback showed that pupils enjoyed the variety of stalls, hands-on activities and the interactive quiz format.