Skills Development Scotland is the government agency responsible for careers advice, skills and training across Scotland. Information, advice and guidance are provided by one-to-one careers interviews, supplemented by careers talks within the Social Education programme. Careers Advisers support pupils with career decision making, career planning, subject choice and researching further and higher education, training and employment options.
The Careers Base, located in South Street, has a dedicated interview facility, supported by an extensive careers library with internet access. Pupils can access an extensive range of occupational information, prospectuses for UK universities and all Scottish colleges. There is a range of employability materials that include advice on CV writing, interview skills etc. Copies of university and college prospectuses are also available within the main school library.
Pupils can arrange an interview direct by completing an appointment request card, located in the school reception area and S6 common room. Guidance teachers also issue appointment request cards and actively encourage pupils to meet with the Careers Adviser. Interviews take place in the Careers Base on Monday (a.m.), Tuesday and Wednesday (all day) and Friday (a.m.). A drop-in facility is available to pupils at morning interval.
Interviews at Kilrymont campus can be arranged at the discretion of individual Guidance staff. There is a mini-careers library located within the library on this campus.
Careers Advisers have an input into Social Education classes for S4, S5 & S6 pupils focussing around transition plans for leavers, subject choice for those staying on to S5 & S6 and awareness raising of opportunities within further and higher education or the labour market.
The careers advisers provide advice and support to pupils and parents via:
- S1, S4, S5 & 6 Parents Evenings
- UCAS and Curriculum Evenings
- 1:1 Careers Interviews which parents can attend by arrangement
Skills Development Scotland works in close partnership with the school in all aspects of Careers Education. Information that support pupils career plans and transition is shared e.g. university and college open days, application procedures, the Aware work experience programme and enterprise activities.
