Skills Development Scotland

Finding a career or job that you want depends upon much more than simply being in the right place at the right time. Skills Development Scotland is here to help pupils access a range of advice, guidance and supportthat will help them make well informed and realistic decisions about jobs, training and educational opportunities.

Careers Advice: Dave McKay School Careers Adviser

Dave McKay is in school every Wednesday. If you want to make an appointment to see Dave please contact your Guidance Teacher or Mrs Watson or see Dave personally in the Careers Interview Room in the school library. Alternatively pick up a Contact Card from the school librarian complete it and give it back to Mrs Renstead. You will be notified about your appointment soon after.

Parents wishing to speak to Dave McKay should do so though the school office or by phoning Dave on 01896 662440 or by emailing him on www.david.mckay@sds.org.uk

Dave McKaycan support your decision making by providing advice and guidance on the options available to you:

Employment

Training

Further Education

Higher Education

Modern Apprenticeships

Taking a Gap Year / Doing Voluntary Work

On our Careers Scotland website www.careers-scotland.org.uk you’ll find a wide range of resources:

• that can help you to decide what jobs and courses might be suitable for you  
• that can help you research jobs and courses
• that can help you manage and develop your career going forward

By using our website you will  discover more about your career ideas and the skills you need using our A – Z of jobs. You’ll also find useful information about career development, plus advice on self-employment and self assessment, part-time work, voluntary work and working abroad.

What Can You Offer: Non Academic Criteria

In these days when competition for jobs, places at college and university is fierce it is important that young people are aware of what colleges, universities and employers are looking for from prospective employees and students. The level of your qualifications will, of course, be an important factor but you will also need to have a very good understanding of what you can offer  in terms of your skills, abilities and personal qualities.

Being able to write and speak about yourself in a positive, confident manner are key factors in convincing employers and admissions staff you will be the right person for the job or place at college/university.

Remember many people applying for jobs or places at College or University will be able to offer more than the minimum qualifications asked for .

The Key Question is:

What else do you have to offer apart from the right level of qualifications?

Employers and admissions staff will be looking for more than just good qualifications and references. The will be look for evidence of you having the core skills of:

• communication
• numeracy
• problem solving
• information technology
• working with others

In addition you should:

• be able to manage your time effectively
• be well motivated and enthusiastic
• have personal and learning skills that enable you to be an effective lifelong learner
• be able to offer the basic employability skills that employers look for from people entering their first job
• be willing to develop employment skills  that are specific to a particular job

Planning Ahead

Planning ahead sounds great in theory but in practice many of us tend to put things off until the last minute … are you one of these people?

If so try answering the following questions

• What have I done so far to help me make decisions about my future?

• Have I made any decisions yet about my future?

• How do I go about making decisions?

• Where did I find information to help me make a decision?

• How aware am I of the options open to me?

• Who can support me and help me make decisions about my future?

If you are coming up with answers such as … no, not really, nothing, don’t know … you really do need to start giving serious thought to what you can do to help yourself plan ahead for Your Future.

Below are some useful websites that will help you do this.

 Post-school options and resources

START PLANNING NOW!