This month we had a fantastic start to Year 2 of our four-year partnership with DXC Technology for the Digital Futures Academy!

This session focused on Security and Social Engineering, offering students valuable insights into the world of cybersecurity.

We were also joined by Craig Steele and Kirstie Steele from Digital Skills Scotland, who led an exciting hands-on activity where students experienced hacking into a virtual bank.

A huge thank you to our partners and students for making this session so engaging and impactful!
 

To celebrate Renfrewshire Employability Week, we had the fantastic opportunity to visit the Medicines Manufacturing Innovation Centre with pupils from schools across Renfrewshire!

It was an inspiring day for the students, learning about cutting-edge innovation and career possibilities in the manufacturing industry.

Step into FINANCE will take place at the Technology & Innovation Centre at Strathclyde University on the 4th of October from 9.30 am to 12.30 pm. We are holding the event in partnership with our colleagues at DYW LED and DYW Glasgow and as a result, will be reaching out to over 120 High Schools from West Central Scotland.

The aim is to provide secondary school pupils with a wider understanding of the Financial Sector and Professional Service Industries and the potential career opportunities in those fields, whilst hopefully inspiring them to select the relevant subjects and pathways at school that can lead to the sector. This event is available to pupils from S3-S6 year groups. We will be happy to support single booked tickets for senior phase pupils, who can travel independently.

Click here to register

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

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

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!

This month marked an exceptional conclusion to the first semester of the DXC Technology UKI Digital Futures Academy (DFA). The program celebrated the achievements of its dedicated pupils with a series of enriching activities and well-deserved recognitions.

Students had the opportunity to explore state-of-the-art facilities, participate in hands-on coding sessions, and receive certificates acknowledging their hard work and accomplishments. These experiences not only enhanced their technical skills but also provided valuable insights into the dynamic field of digital technology.

Well done to all involved for their outstanding efforts! 

Looking forward to an amazing year 2!

As we look forward to an amazing year two, we are excited about the future prospects and continued success of the DFA program!

Barrhead High School's Home Economics National 5 class is on the lookout for local employers in the hospitality and food production sectors to inspire our students. We're seeking support in the form of work insights, guest talks, cooking demonstrations, and other practical activities.

This initiative will commence with the new academic year, and we believe that your industry expertise could provide invaluable learning experiences for our pupils.

If you're interested in making a positive impact on the next generation of hospitality and food industry professionals, please get in touch by emailing jan.mcmahon@dywwest.co.uk

Looking to enhance your skills in engaging with young people in schools and colleges?

Join DYW's free online workshop, 'Inspiring Young Minds,' on Wednesday, 19th June, from 10am to 12pm.

Gain confidence in discussing your industry and get top tips for planning and delivering activities.

Click here to register

We had another round of fantastic sessions with DXC Technology Digital Futures Academy!

In our first session, pupils explored their creativity in a design challenge, programming robotic cars & learning about the history of automation!

In our next session, they engaged in valuable lessons on building confidence and motivation.

We can't wait for the next one!