Tuesday, August 6 marks results day in Scotland. As pupils get to grips with their grades, the #NoWrongPath campaign from Developing the Young Workforce (DYW) seeks to show young people that their results and current circumstances do not necessarily define their future.
DYW North East is supporting the #NoWrongPath campaign across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire. The regional group has created a dedicated area on its website where young people and their parents can access information to help them with their next steps, regardless of whether their exam results are as expected.
Employers and industry professionals throughout the region have also been encouraged to get involved in the campaign by sharing their career stories. It is hoped that these real-life stories will reassure and inspire young people, while raising awareness of the different job opportunities that exist and the variety of routes into them.
Aberdeen-based brothers Darren and Stuart Sutherland are supporting this year’s campaign. Both hold vice president roles with international energy companies, however their pathways into the positions were very different. Their story, along with a variety of wider social media activity, aims to send young people a strong message that career paths rarely go in a straight line.
“While #NoWrongPath centres on results day, the messaging is important for young people all year round,” says Margo Milne, Director, DYW North East. “There are many different pathways into careers, and we know from our ongoing work with local employers that they do not base their recruitment decisions solely on qualifications. Skills and attitude are key.
“We’re very grateful to all the organisations and individuals who are supporting #NoWrongPath this year. The messages and materials created will undoubtedly have value far beyond August 6th.”
Young people, parents and carers can access information and support here.
Read the Sutherland brothers’ #NoWrongPath story here.
DYW is a Scottish Government initiative, which aims to make it easier for employers and young people to connect. DYW North East is one of twenty regional groups. They work with employers, educators and partners to provide the next generation with the insights they need to prepare for life beyond school. Find out more at www.dyw.org.uk.