Project Description
Industry: Engineering
Programme: Next Gen
Activity Type: Work Inspiration and Preparation / Apprenticeship Event
Businesses involved: Business in AFBE-UK Scotland (Association for Black & Minority Ethnic Engineers Scotland)
Name of School: Woodmill High School and St Columba’s RC High School
Woodmill High School and St Columba’s RC High School worked with AFBE and engineering employers to deliver an Apprenticeship Evening for pupils and parents/carers. The event was designed to address a gap in awareness around routes into engineering, particularly pathways beyond college or university. By bringing together employers, apprentices, graduates and former pupils, the event gave attendees practical insight into the different ways young people can build a career in engineering.
Objectives
- Raise awareness of different routes into engineering
- Highlight apprenticeship and graduate apprenticeship pathways
- Help parents/carers better support young people’s career choices
- Give pupils direct access to employers and relatable role models
Partners included
- AFBE – Hayyaan Bashir supported event planning, employer engagement and facilitated the evening.
- Leonardo, SWECO and Score Group – shared insight into apprenticeship pathways and brought along current apprentices, graduates and former pupils to speak about their experiences.
School staff and DYW Fife worked together to plan and promote the event across both schools.
Learners involved included pupils from Woodmill High School and St Columba’s RC High School as well as parents and carers interested in engineering pathways
What we did
The evening began with an introduction from Hayyaan on the aims of the event. This was followed by a presentation from Ib, a former Woodmill pupil now completing a Degree Apprenticeship with SWECO.
A panel discussion then gave pupils and parents/carers the chance to hear honest experiences from apprentices and graduates across different engineering routes. Questions had been submitted in advance, helping address the topics attendees most wanted to understand.
After the panel, a carousel session allowed for one-to-one discussions with panellists and employer representatives, giving families the opportunity to ask follow-up questions and get more tailored advice.
Outcomes and impact
Career awareness
Pupils and parents/carers gained a better understanding of the range of engineering pathways available, including modern, degree and graduate apprenticeships.
Inspiration and aspiration
Hearing from former pupils helped make engineering careers feel more achievable and relevant.
Informed choices
The event helped families feel more confident about subject choices and future options. One parent shared that their son had decided to pursue a Graduate Apprenticeship route after attending.
Pupil Feedback
“It was really nice to hear from former Woodmill pupils about their journeys into their careers and what they do on a daily basis.” Sam, S5
“The honesty, the real-life journeys, the ups and downs and the pride they had in what they’re doing was incredibly refreshing.” Danielle, parent
“It was wonderful to hear from some of our former pupils about how they entered their careers, what they have enjoyed, the challenges they’ve faced transitioning into the world of work.” Mrs Hamilton, teacher
“It was a brilliant event and incredibly informative about the wide range of apprenticeships available… for my son it may well be life-changing.” Vikki, parent