CityZen Online Competition

 Institution of Civil Engineers are opening their online competition for S5/S6 pupils, CityZen, which went live on 21^st August. It’s a great opportunity for any pupils who may be thinking about applying for an engineering or built environment course or apprenticeship. The pupils work in teams of up to four, on a series of challenges to build the civil engineering infrastructure in a virtual city and are supported throughout by an ICE STEM Ambassador.

They have also added a new shorter competition for S3/S4 pupils, the ICE CityZen Pollution Control Challenge. It’s a 1 to 2 hour long activity which can fit easily into class or extra-curricular time, featuring a unique civil engineering game based on CityZen.

Careers Presentation
Another option is for one of ICE's engineers to deliver a presentation to senior phase pupils to help them with their career decisions. They’ll explain to them what civil engineering is and where it fits into the world. They’ll hear about the different routes into the profession - foundation/modern/graduate apprenticeships, full and part-time study, scholarships and generally get the real story of life as an engineer today. These sessions are expected to be held in September or October, but the dates can be flexible. - it may be that your schools want to do this as part of Maths Week Scotland (23^rd to 29^th September) or Scottish Careers Week (11^th to 15^th November) or during a PSE class or assembly.

If this is something that the pupils in your schools would benefit from please email info@dywwest.co.uk

We have a fantastic opportunity for DYW SCs and careers advisers to explore early career roles in the financial/tech sector at JP Morgan’s new state-of-the-art campus in Glasgow, located just across from Central Station on Argyle Street.

Agenda:

• 09:00 Arrive, register, and enjoy tea & coffee
• 09:30 Welcome from Lynne Lockier, overview of the day
• 09:35 About JP Morgan – learn what they do, what happens in the building, and early career opportunities
• 10:00 Hear from current apprentices – their journey, what they’re doing, advice for young people considering applying, and Q&A
• 10:30 Activity
• 11:00 Tour
• 11:30/45 End

Click here to register

Dear Educator, Engineer a Career is a social enterprise dedicated to inspiring, empowering, and encouraging the next generation of engineers. I am excited to introduce "The Engineer a Career Podcast," available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Deezer, and Amazon Music.

This series features eight diverse engineers who have followed unique career paths. Through their stories, Engineer a Career aims to shine a light on the multifaceted world of engineering and the incredible opportunities it offers. The podcast series is an invaluable resource for school pupils and students, providing inspiration and practical advice from engineers. It also serves as an informative tool for parents, guardians, and educators, demonstrating that there is no wrong path or single correct route to a successful career in engineering. My name is Josh, and I am the founder of Engineer a Career. As the podcast host, I delve into the personal and professional journeys of my guest engineers, uncovering what initially sparked their interest in engineering, their school experiences, favourite subjects, and the different routes they considered.

Listeners will gain valuable insights into overcoming setbacks, effective strategies for career success, and advice for those considering a career in engineering, especially those uncertain about which path to take. The podcast also highlights exciting developments in the engineering industry and the professional goals and aspirations of the featured engineers. Most importantly, it reveals what keeps these professionals passionate about engineering.

Kind Regards

Josh Robertson, Founder

Click here to visit the Engineer A Career Website

As a member of the Renfrewshire Local Employability Partnership (LEP), DYW West has been asked to support Employability Week starting 2nd September 2024.

If you are interested in hosting a school group for a site tour, visit, or giving a talk at a school during that week, please let us know.

Focus areas include early careers, skills and qualifications, routes and pathways, and typical workdays (involving apprentices if possible).

If you can participate then please complete and return the below form to kay.mcintosh@renfrewshire.gov.uk & CC bob.davidson@dywwest.co.uk 

Thank you!

Impact Arts is running a 12-week creative arts youth employability programme for young people aged 16-24 years, starting 11th September 2024. This is a Stage 1/2 course on the employability pipeline.

Renfrewshire based young people who are not in work, education or training can attend this programme which runs on Wednesdays and Thursdays, 10am-3pm, to build confidence, make new friends, get support towards next steps and participate in lots of creative arts activities.

Participants can receive £35 per week training allowance for attending the programme and travel costs will also be reimbursed. In addition, there will be food and drinks available during the workshops. The programme will run at PACE’s venue on the top floor of the Paisley Shopping Centre, Causeyside Street, Paisley. This venue is a welcoming, safe and creative space. It’s also really easy to get to; located a short walk from Paisley Gilmour Street Station.

If you would like more information about the programme, you can visit Impact Arts Website - website by clicking the link below or contact Programme Coordinator Andrea Gavin on andrea.gavin@impactarts.co.uk. 

Click here to visit the Impact Arts website 

You can also download a PDF booklet below for further info

Employers in East Renfrewshire could benefit from a funding contribution of up to £8000 when creating a new job or modern apprenticeship.

To find out more please email - worker@eastrenfrewshire.gov.uk or call 0141 577 8438

Are you working with young people who could benefit from qualifications that complement or provide alternatives to traditional curriculum-based learning?

Scottish Sports Futures (SSF) offers engaging, interactive, and activity-based modules designed to boost attendance and attainment in school. These modules are SCQF accredited, providing valuable qualifications for students.

 To discuss the available options, please contact Shabaz Khan at shabaz.khan@ssf.org.uk

This initiative is an excellent opportunity to enhance educational outcomes through innovative and interactive learning experiences.

Our flagship STEM West event will return on the 18th & 19th November 2024 at West College Scotland, Clydebank campus.

The aim of the event is to inspire young people to choose STEM subjects at school and have employers showcase their company/industry. Last year we had over 800 pupils attend from 4 of our local authorities, (West Dunbartonshire, Renfrewshire, East Renfrewshire and Inverclyde) with over 50 exhibitors!

If you are an employer who is interested in showcasing your company and can bring along something interactive or hands on for S2-S4 pupils to engage with over the 2 days then please let us know. Even if you can only attend one of the days, it would be great to still have you come!

Interested in showcasing at STEM West 2024? Please complete the following form -https://forms.gle/zGPZ6iN8owMzoJk3A

If you are unable to access the above form then please complete the below Word Document and email to info@dywwest.co.uk

If you have any questions please email jan.mcmahon@dywwest.co.uk or clarke.speirs@dywwest.co.uk

Working 4U are hosting an Employer Breakfast Event to promote their new Employer Recruitment Incentive’s from 8AM-9.30AM on Thursday 27th June ’24 at The Abbotsford Hotel, Dumbarton.

If you wish to attend the event, please click the link below to secure a space as spaces are limited.

https://lnkd.in/eHNrZ-m9

The event will cover the following financial incentives:

Employer Recruitment Incentive - up to £4000 to recruit a new staff member
Employee Enhancement Scheme - up to £3000 for current staff enhancement through training or additional hours
Modern Apprenticeship Services
Social Benefit wish list benefits
Free Working4U recruitment support

Working4U staff will be on hand to provide advice and support on the day. Breakfast rolls and tea and coffee will be served.

We are delighted to announce that Kareema Hilton has joined the DYW West board!

Jim Hannigan, Head of our Board, shares, "We are absolutely delighted to add someone of Kareema’s stature and experience to our Board. We know she is passionate about introducing young people to industry and the workplace, and her insight and enthusiasm will show her to be the perfect role model for school leavers no matter what pathway they follow. We wish her every success in her new role with us.”

Welcome aboard, Kareema!