On Monday 15 November, Stuart McMillan MSP met a local school-leaver at Skills Development Scotland’s (SDS) Greenock branch and heard how staff are supporting young people with their career development.
Stuart met Shaun Higgins, from Port Glasgow, about his interest in politics and plans to attend university in the future.
The visit was organised as part of the first ever Scottish Careers Week, which aims to help people explore, understand and manage their career choices, and promote the services and resources available to support people in this venture.
Aiming to highlight the various opportunities for young people, parents and carers to learn about the future of jobs, growth industries and the skills will be needed in the workplace of the future, this year’s theme is ‘Shape the Future’.
Commenting, Stuart said:
“It was great to visit SDS’s Greenock office to find out more about how they’re helping local people with their career choices, particularly as we look to recover from the Covid pandemic.
“While this support existed prior to COVID-19, from speaking with Shaun and his career advisor, Maureen, it’s clear that the pandemic has interrupted many young people’s education and career journeys. That’s why the services on offer at SDS are critical, as they are supporting people to achieve their ambitions, even if the path to that looks different to what they initially imagined.
“This period of rebuilding must also consider how job creation can contribute to our efforts to tackle the climate emergency and meet our net-zero targets, so I welcome the theme of this year’s Scottish Careers Week, focused on the future of jobs, growth industries and the skills that will be needed in the workplace of the future.
“SDS also support local businesses who may be looking to expand or adapt their business model so they are more sustainable.
“It is less common for people to remain in the same job – or even with the same employer – during their working life, so having services and resources available to people to consider all the options available to them is important. Many of us see our careers as part of our identity, so deciding to change jobs or even set up your own business can be very daunting, but also hugely rewarding, both economically and personally.
“I would encourage anyone in Inverclyde who’s unsure of the career choices available to them, whether they’re just entering the world of work or are looking for a career change, to seek out SDS’s services.”
Skills Development Scotland’s Greenock branch can be contacted on 01475 553 710.
