Career Help in School

Careers help in school

Skills Development Scotland is Scotland’s careers service.  Their qualified Careers Advisers work in schools and careers centres across
the whole of Scotland.  Our SDS Careers Advisers are Jemma Kinnaird and David Hooper.  You can meet with her and get in touch with her through school or via the
Careers Centre.  Ask your Guidance teacher if you’re not sure how to contact her!

Ms. Kinnaird can help you to develop your Career Management Skills, which are the skills you’ll need to make your career a success.
You may take part in group sessions with your Careers Adviser, or have an individual appointment.  There are also regular-drop in
sessions which we would encourage you to take advantage of.

Another important part of Ms. Kinnaird’s role is in supporting parents/carers and teachers when it comes to talking about careers.
Her work is supported by the SDS website My World of Work.  You can use this to explore your career, skills and learning opportunities
now, and right through your school and working life.  Check it out!

Thinking of leaving school?  Make a plan!!

Leaving school is a big step, regardless at what time you decide to take it.  There are lots of options available to you, and SDS are available
to you in order to provide advice and guidance.  To help you to decide and plan:

• get started by creating a My World of Work account.  This will help you to identify where your strengths lie and discover how your
  skills and interests might match with a career that you could really enjoy.

• if you’re thinking about going onto to college, university or further training, use the course search tool to consider your options
  and find out what funding might be available.

• If you’re interested in an Apprenticeships (with the benefit of earning as you’re learning) find out what is available
  and search for vacancies.

• work experience such as volunteering can be valuable when building skills for your career.  Find opportunities near you…

• a gap year is your chance to travel, work, volunteer or study and is a really good option for some school leavers.

• If you’re looking for a job discover Scotland’s industries, search for jobs, learn how to network and visit job fairs through My World of Work.