Latest news with #DYW
Daily Record
21-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
Ayr MSP hails Prestwick Academy's construction skills initiative as 'inspiring and essential'
The demonstration was part of a the Developing the Young Workforce initiative at Prestwick Academy. Ayr SNP MSP, Siobhian Brown, has praised Prestwick Academy's efforts to prepare young people for careers in construction, calling it a "brilliant initiative" that is both "inspiring and essential." The comments came during a visit to the Scottish Parliament, where students from the school demonstrated a range of construction skills as part of their Developing the Young Workforce (DYW) programme. Ms Brown joined the pupils outside Holyrood last week and even tried her hand at marbling, a hands-on taste of the practical experiences students have been gaining through the programme. Speaking after the event, Ms Brown said: "It was fantastic to join some of Prestwick Academy's students outside the Parliament for the Construction Skills Demonstration. I even had a go at marbling myself, though I think I need a bit more practice. "This is a brilliant initiative that gives our young people practical skills and real insight into career pathways. Well done to all the students and staff involved. It's inspiring to see such energy and ambition." The demonstration is part of a wider DYW initiative at Prestwick Academy that aims to bridge the gap between education and the local job market. Earlier this year, the school hosted its first Build Your Future event, where students engaged directly with industry professionals across a range of trades including masonry, roof slating, demolition, and health and safety. The event was a collaborative effort supported by Kerr Roofing & Building (Ayr) Ltd, the National Federation of Roofing Contractors, Go-Wright Ltd, Stone Federation GB, the National Demolition Training Group, McTaggart Construction, the Scottish Traditional Building Forum, South Ayrshire Council, and Prestwick Academy staff. Anita Hall from Prestwick Academy added: "This initiative is part of a broader DYW strategy aimed at bridging the gap between school and the local market economy. "By working closely with industry partners, we're equipping our students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in high-demand sectors like construction. "Today's demonstration is a proud moment that showcases the hard work of our pupils and the strength of our partnerships." As a direct outcome of the programme, pupils can achieve their CSCS (Construction Skills Certification Scheme) card, a key credential for entering the construction workforce, with sponsorship from the Ayrshire Training Group. With the construction sector continuing to face critical skills shortages, Prestwick Academy's proactive approach offers a model for schools across Scotland looking to build stronger bridges between education and employment.
Press and Journal
08-05-2025
- Business
- Press and Journal
Meet the Elgin woman who turned her back on university to kickstart career through apprenticeships
By the time she reached the end of fifth year at Elgin High School, Aimee Stephen had already earned the qualifications needed for university. After then completing S6 with five highers, she chose a different path and stepped straight into the workforce to start earning. She joined DYW Moray as a Business and Administration Modern Apprentice. Since then, she has held various roles within the organisation after leaping in straight from school. Aimee, 24, believes apprenticeships offer a great opportunity for others to launch their careers, just as she did. Our story when Aimee first joined DYW Moray. Image: Mhorvan Park/ DC Thomson Initially aspiring to be a PE teacher, she shifted her focus to business after developing a passion for it. Almost seven years later, Aimee now serves as Apprenticeship Development Manager helping Moray employers recruit and upskill people of all ages through apprenticeships. Why Aimee said no to university from school Aimee decided university straight from school was not the career path for her, and is now eager to help others facing the same decision. She wants to use her experience with apprenticeships to help support businesses create more opportunities for youngsters find jobs quickly. Aimee said: 'I was able to get all the qualifications needed to go to university, however I didn't want to do that. Aimee Stephen has went through a few apprenticeships. Image: Jason Hedges/DC Thomson 'I wanted to get out in the workplace and start earning to get some money behind me. 'I joined DYW for the Business Administration Modern Apprenticeship and I just got on with things as I'm a naturally proactive and motivated person. 'It was great to get stuck into a wide range of tasks including managing marketing, social media, and other responsibilities. 'It wasn't a shock to the system being in the workplace as I had worked at Adolfos chip shop when I was at school and had work experience with NHS Grampian through the foundation apprenticeship.' 'University isn't the only path' University wasn't something on the cards for Aimee straight from school but was something she decided to go back to later. Last year she achieved a BA (Hons) in Business Management at Robert Gordon University. Aimee added: 'I've been fortunate to gain experience in the workplace while working toward both a modern and a graduate apprenticeship. Aimee Stephen wants to let young people know university doesn't have to be the only path to their dream job. Image: Jason Hedges/DC Thomson 'It's been beneficial on a personal level as I was able to save more money which helped me move out at a younger age. 'I think it's really important to show young people that university isn't the only path. 'There's still a lot of pressure to go down the traditional route, and I completely understand that. 'But times are changing—more and more young people are choosing to go straight into employment, and the numbers reflect that shift. 'Ensuring young people know they have options is vital.' Aimee's goal to grow apprenticeships in Moray In Aimee's new role, she wants to target getting 20 people upskilled though an apprenticeship within their current organisation as well as 30 newly created apprenticeship roles and five events. Aimee said: 'It's also about identifying gaps—both in businesses and in skills—and seeing where apprenticeships can help fill those gaps. 'One key message I'm trying to get across is that apprenticeships aren't just for young people; they're valuable and accessible for people of all ages. Aimee Stephen is hoping to help businesses create more apprenticeships. Image: Jason Hedges/DC Thomson 'The role focuses on both modern and graduate apprenticeships, aiming to upskill people who are already in employment through these partnerships. 'It's also about supporting employers to create new roles and opportunities. Apprenticeships can help businesses attract more talent Aimee also believes apprenticeships can help businesses by attracting more talent. She added: 'Another key message I really want to get across to employers is the importance of making roles open to apprentices. 'Doing so can significantly expand their talent pool. Aimee Stephen pictured. 'I understand that, for some businesses—especially smaller ones—it may feel like they don't have the capacity to train and support someone new. 'It's not always the right fit for every situation. 'But with the right mindset and the willingness to have those conversations, there's a lot of potential to make it work.' Any employer looking for support about apprenticeships can contact Aimee on
