News 2021

The Class visited Apex Hotels to understand various organisations in the tourism sector, They were introduced to the Hotel by Paul Mooney (General Manager) with lunch, then introduced and split into 3 separate groups with Operations Manager, Kitchen, and Spa Manager.

While let loose around the hotel, the pupils were given a tour around the various functions of the Hotel. With visiting different rooms & event spaces to understand how these are sold, then to the kitchen to help the Chef plate up a Main Course and cake decorating! Right down to the visit to the spa to understand how guests and visitors to the hotel like to unwind. It was an invaluable day that helped to elevate the tremendous tourism sector we have right here in Tay Cities and the exciting career paths within.

A massive thanks to The Apex Hotel, Dundee & Paul Mooney for an incredible afternoon which will not be forgotten about any time soon!

The DYW Tay Cities team were approached by the Channel 4 “4Schools Team” to consider the possibility of running a schools engagement programme consisting of Talks/Workshops/Q&A sessions with a school in the Tay Cities region. The aim of the programme would be to help inspire the students and bring awareness about Careers in the Creative Sector – and the TV & Film industry. Channel 4 had previously deployed this programme very successfully across many schools in England, and there was now a desire to bring the programme to Scottish schools. In discussions with the 4Schools team, it was also established that the ethos of the programme was such that any potential schools identified as possible participants, should come from areas of the highest depravation in the region. Therefore, the DYW team decided collectively that Braeview Academy would be a suitable candidate and subsequently it was offered the opportunity and gladly accepted.

One of the participants was actor and performer Brian Leys (currently a cast member on BBC Scotland’s “River City”), who was a former school pupil, which brought a greater degree of relatability and inspiration for the pupils, to see someone from both their area and school having entered the industry.

Feedback was sought from staff, senior management pupils and participants and was overwhelmingly positive from all concerned.

Over 160 young people participated in the event, and it was hoped that it would have a positive impact upon pupils picking appropriate subject choices for routes and pathways into the creative industries in the new year.

Hundreds of Dundee and Angus senior year pupils attended a careers event on the 16^th of November at Ninewells Hospital.

The event held at the Ian Low Centre within Ninewells Hospital had 32 stands with representatives from a wide range of disciplines and professions who were on hand to help pupils gain an insight into the variety of roles available in healthcare.

The event was arranged in partnership between NHS Tayside and Developing the Young Workforce (DYW) Tay Cities.

As well as the more traditional health service jobs in nursing, medical and allied health professions, there were representatives from the essential support departments, including portering, domestic and linen services.

The primary aim of our Creative Careers Week is to give pupils an insight into different careers within the creative industries. The workshops were delivered by industry experts and included workshops on drama performance, architecture, computer games development, choreography, DJ skills, museum curating, jewellery making and costume making. During the workshops pupils hear about career pathways as well as having the opportunity to take part in some practical activities related to each career. 

Hosted over four days, workshops were attended by 138 pupils within S2. There were nine different workshops offered to the pupils who were asked to sign up to two workshops of interest.  

On Tuesday 7th November Brechin High School hosted their first Technical Day delivered by WM Donald to all of their S2 pupils.

Pupils took part in a range of activities including using simulators to learn how to control JCBs and diggers, drainage, geology, PPE, monoblocking, quantity surveying and a build a bridge activity. Pupils got the opportunity to apply their problem-solving and practical skills to the activities on offer. Several pupils also won prizes for their contributions and efforts to the day.

We would like to thank the staff from WM Donald for providing this opportunity and for allowing pupils to experience the range of careers the construction industry has to offer.

At Grove Academy’s S2 Careers Fair November, ach employer was given their own station/stall and had to provide an engaging activity/challenge for the pupils to take part in, that would give pupils an insight into what they do in their job. Pupils were given stickers from employers once the activity was over and there was an incentive for pupils to take part in as many activities (visit different employer stations) as they could, because those with the most stickers were put into a draw to win a voucher.

Both employers and pupils were engaged, asking questions and enthusiastic about what they were doing. All pupils were positive and complimentary of the event – some even stayed during their break time! Three pupils (one from period 2, 3 & 4) were drawn at random to win a £20 voucher.

Pupils benefited from face-to-face contact with employers and the ability to ask questions or seek clarification on the activities while they were there. Pupils were confident in approaching employers and employers were supportive and happy to help.

Over 500 secondary school pupils from across Angus, Dundee & Perthshire were reaching for the sky when they attended a curated careers fair at the High School of Dundee’s Mayfield Sports Centre.

The 3-day ‘Careers Taking Off’ event welcomed pupils from S1 -S3, with some keen senior pupils also in attendance, to think about a career within aerospace, aviation, and engineering.

The event gave the young people the chance to take part in a range of interactive workshops run by eight organisations within the aerospace, aviation & engineering sectors from across Scotland.

You can read more at: https://www.highschoolofdundee.org.uk/…/careers-taking-off

On the 29^th of September, Perth & Kinross primary schools had the exciting opportunity to engage in a variety of interactive workshops relating to the filming industry. These workshops covered topics like scriptwriting, acting for the screen, object animation, and the enchanting secrets behind the magic of filmmaking. Thank you to the Scottish Youth Film Foundation for delivering this insightful event.

These workshop experiences not only provided them with a glimpse into the diverse careers within the film industry but also allowed the students to step into the roles of actors, producers, and even creators of their own films.

Thank you to John Swinney MSP for coming along to see the work that Developing the Young Workforce, Tay Cities do to support local young people and to meet the regional team who work with employers to deliver work inspiration events like this. We hope we have demonstrated the true impact we have on Tay Cities’ young people.

DYW Tay Cities and Springboard invited Secondary Schools in Angus for a walking tour unlike no other within The City of Discovery on the 30th of August, as the trail will embraced Dundee as a Travel & Tourist Destination whilst highlighting the fantastic careers within our Hospitality, Tourist and Leisure Sectors whilst visiting Dundee Science Centre, The Discovery (Dundee Heritage Trust) and Apex Hotel.

While also on their walking tour of some of Dundee’s finest tourist destinations; 85 young people from across 7 schools in Angus participated in various workshops which allowed them to produce tiktoks of attractions, Plan for a Prestigious Event whilst keeping in budget and discovering the secrets behind front of house in a hotel setting. Helping to provide awareness of various roles and skills required within the travel, hospitality, and leisure industry.

On Wednesday the 7^th of September, in collaboration with Dundee Volunteer and Voluntary Action, we hosted an event that inspired young people to start volunteering.

It was a dynamic “Careers Fair” style event where Dundee third-sector and volunteering organisations showcased their live youth volunteering vacancies.

We were thrilled to have nearly 100 local high school students and post-school leavers join us in different time slots across the full day. They had the chance to engage with these fantastic organisations, discuss opportunities, and sign up for exciting vacancies.

We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to Dundee Volunteering and Voluntary Action for partnering with us to make this event possible, and to all the incredible organisations who participated.