Raising aspirations and making informed choices

The purpose of the event was to give students the opportunity to learn about different careers and employment opportunities from parents and others in the community who are ‘doing the job’.

It was all about dispelling myths and finding out about the reality.

Head teacher Wilma Burgon told us: “We were very lucky and appreciative of the people who agreed to attend. Their input was an invaluable source of advice to parents and students.

“The evening also provided an opportunity for them to talk to representatives from universities and higher education institutions, as well as other organisations, and so appreciate the different routes in to careers, understanding the qualifications required and training opportunities available.”

A large number of contributors representing a range of sectors supported the event.

A variety of workshop session delivered by experts from different sectors and institutions were also well received.

Topics included were: modern day apprenticeships; Lothian Equal Access Programme (LEAPS); support for those applying to University, Napier University; and Queen Margaret University – Creative industries.

A big turnout of parents and students meant the evening was very busy.

Feedback was very positive.

One student reported: “I wasn’t aware that there were so many routes available to me or different types of careers linked to the one industry.”

Another explained that she had made contacts to enable her to arrange a work placement as part of her final year at school.

She said: “This will give me hands-on experience, and will strengthen my personal statement.”

Parents also reported the benefits of hearing first-hand and up-to-date information about training opportunities and career paths.