Inverness pupils learn about jobs of the future
An event looking at what careers are likely to be relevant for the next generation has been staged at an Inverness school.
More than 900 pupils went to the Tomorrow’s World: Jobs of the Future gathering staged at Millburn Academy alongside Developing the Young Workforce Inverness & Central Highland (DYWICH), as part of Scottish Careers Week.
A diverse array of 28 employers from across the Highlands were on hand to showcase emerging roles, technological innovations, and the evolving skills required in a rapidly changing job market.
Employers from prominent sectors including aviation, engineering, healthcare and renewable energy engaged students with interactive exhibits, allowing them a first-hand look at how jobs will shift in the next 5-10 years.
Among the hands-on activities, students experienced roles in airport security, airport firefighting, sustainable energy, and even virtual ship handling training, which demonstrated how fields from healthcare to hospitality are being reshaped by new technologies and major developments in Inverness and across the region.
Participating organisations included HIAL, SSEN, the British Army, ScotRail, NHS, Lantra, Eden Court, Orbex and RSE, all of whom provided practical insights into the future of work.
Jody Cataneo, DYWICH school co-ordinator for Millburn Academy, emphasised the importance of preparing young people for a dynamic future: “This was a fantastic opportunity to open young people’s eyes to the future workforce awaiting them. By connecting students directly with professionals and showcasing the skills needed in emerging industries, we’re helping them see the many paths available right here in the Highlands.”
Jared Simpson, deputy head and DYW lead at Millburn Academy, said: “Seeing students engage with the dynamic activities provided by our visiting employers was inspiring. They gained real insights into how their studies connect to future jobs and left with a clearer idea of the skills they’ll need in the years ahead.”
Eva Stills, S6 pupil at Millburn Academy, wrote her own report about the event: Millburn reaches for the future.
Millburn Academy’s Developing the Young Workforce (DYW) Jobs of the Future event on was a tremendous success. With employers from industries such as the armed forces, performing arts, beauty therapy, transportation and agriculture, there was truly something for everyone. Stands varied from interactive games to learning how to give a massage, and green-screen production to practical life skills like CPR training. And of course, plenty of freebies to go around!
One of the highlights for the pupils’ day was the British Army, with their quick-fire reaction time games and core strength challenge which soon became a cut-throat competition. Millburn pupil Rory Mullen (S1) said: “It’s quite interesting being opened up to all these job opportunities. It really shows how many pathways there are out there.”
When asked about advice for pupils scared about their future and employment, a representative from the Science Skills Academy said: “You should just go with the flow. If it doesn’t work out, it's okay. Trial and error will help you find your place.”
