Project Description
Background and Career Journey
Kerry Williamson’s career has been a diverse journey, shaped by her passion for connecting people and creating opportunities. After completing university, Kerry embarked on an international adventure, teaching English as a foreign language. Upon returning to Scotland, she transitioned to a career in advertising sales, first with The Scotsman newspaper, before joining Johnstone Press, the company that later acquired The Scotsman. Kerry spent 14 years in this industry until redundancy struck in 2017, marking a pivotal turning point in her career.
Later that year, Kerry joined the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA), where she found her calling. Over the past seven years, she has played a key role in supporting schools, colleges, training providers and employers, helping facilitate awareness of learning opportunities for all learners. As a Regional Manager, Kerry now works closely with various centres to deliver SQA qualifications across a range of industries and sectors. Her work focuses on ensuring qualifications are accessible and relevant to the evolving needs of the workforce.
Getting Involved with DYW Fife
Kerry’s involvement with Developing the Young Workforce (DYW) Fife began in October 2022 when she recognised the synergy between her role at SQA and the mission of DYW. After years of working across different regions and participating on employer boards, she approached the DYW Fife team, eager to contribute her expertise. She saw DYW Fife as an opportunity to be part of a solution that directly connects employers with young people, facilitating meaningful work placements and creating clear pathways into employment.
In her role, Kerry works alongside schools, colleges, and employers to support the delivery of diverse qualifications, while also fostering partnerships that benefit both young people and businesses. The notion of “bridging the gap” between employers and the younger generation is central to her efforts. Kerry believes deeply in the importance of creating opportunities for all young people, regardless of their background or academic path.
Passion for DYW Fife’s Mission
As a board member of DYW Fife, Kerry is most passionate about the idea that there is no “wrong path” for young people. She believes that DYW plays a critical role in providing opportunities for every individual, especially those who might be struggling to find their way. “There’s something for everyone,” Kerry says, emphasizing that DYW helps to ensure that support is always available to guide young people onto the right track, no matter their starting point.
Partnership working is another area Kerry is deeply committed to. By fostering collaboration between businesses and educational institutions, DYW Fife creates a valuable link that ensures young people are ready for the workforce, while also addressing the needs of employers looking to fill skills gaps.
Challenges and Opportunities
Kerry sees awareness as one of the main challenges DYW Fife faces. Many businesses, she notes, are simply unaware of the opportunities DYW offers, or they have misconceptions about the potential of young people in the workforce. Some employers may assume young people are unreliable or lack the commitment to succeed in the workplace. However, Kerry stresses that this is far from the truth. “The young people we put forward really want to learn,” she explains, adding that employers with aging workforces and employment gaps could greatly benefit from the fresh perspectives and energy young people bring.
By helping employers understand the value of engaging with DYW, Kerry believes more businesses can find solutions to their workforce challenges and discover new talent eager to make a difference.
Advice for Those Considering DYW Fife
Kerry’s message to those contemplating involvement with DYW Fife is simple: Just do it. She encourages businesses to reach out and explore the benefits of partnering with DYW. “There’s great support from the DYW team,” she says, assuring potential partners that getting involved could lead to finding young talent that may become a valuable part of their future workforce.
With her extensive experience in education, workforce development, and partnership-building, Kerry Williamson is a strong advocate for DYW Fife’s mission. Her journey highlights the importance of collaboration and the positive impact it can have on young people and employers alike.