Setting sail for future careers at Royal National Mòd
Young people on board Calmac’s Oban to Mull ferry had the chance to chart a course to a successful career thanks to My World of Work Live.
Skills Development Scotland (SDS), who run the My World of Work Live programme, partnered with Calmac, to offer the Build a LEGO© wind turbine session to young passengers on the Oban to Mull afternoon crossings as part of the Royal National Mòd.
The LEGO© session introduces young people to the skills required to work as an engineer and opens up a world of future career opportunities. During the activity, young people get hands on with LEGO© to design and build the best functioning turbine they could in the time they had to cross the sea.
The turbines were then tested, to see how much energy could be produced, bringing industry to life during the practical, fun session. Expert SDS Careers advisers were also on deck to speak to passengers about how they can take the next steps with their future careers.
Fionnadh Carroll, My World of Work Live Adviser, said: “Charting a course to a future career can often seem daunting. My World of Work Live helps young people learn about careers through fun, interactive sessions using exciting technology.
“I’ve worked with young people in great places across the Highlands as a My World of Work Live Adviser, but this will definitely go down as the most unusual!”
Christine Roberts, HR Director for CalMac, added: “We were delighted to take part in such an innovative project during this year’s Royal National Mòd. Many of our workforce live in island communities and we are committed to providing as many opportunities as possible for young people to enjoy a career with CalMac. Being part of this fun initiative seemed like an opportunity we could not miss.”
Further My World of Work Live sessions took place during the Mòd, when Drones in Construction touched down at the Argyllshire Gathering, much to the delight of young participants.
SDS Careers Advisers were also on hand at the Mod exhibition.
Marie Anne Weir, SDS Team Leader, said: “Our team of advisers spoke to more than 500 people across the 2 days of the exhibition, with a strong focus on careers in and using Gaelic.
“There was a chance to talk career change, helping find opportunities and offering advice on a wide range of topics from apprenticeships to funding.”
Coinneach Combe, Digital Communications and Events Officer, An Comunn Gàidhealach, said: “We were delighted that young people had this opportunity to learn about skills for the workplace and Gaelic careers at The Mòd. What a fun context in which to develop these skills!”