The first ever Scottish Careers Week will take place from 15-19 November, showcasing the wide range of careers support available to people of all ages across Scotland.  

The campaign aims to help people explore, understand and manage their career choices, and the services and resources available to support them.  

Many free digital and live events will be taking place, offering opportunities for young people, adults, parents and carers, teachers, employers and learning providers to get involved.  

Skills Development Scotland (SDS) is developing the campaign in partnership with the Young Person’s Guarantee and Developing the Young Workforce and they are keen to work with a wide range of national and local partners to support the campaign. 

Minister for Youth Employment and Training Jamie Hepburn said: “With many people in Scotland facing disruption to their learning or employment over the last eighteen months, it’s never been more important that our career services support people to thrive and reach their full potential. 

“Campaigns like Scottish Careers Week are vital to help people of all ages understand the fantastic support that’s available to through a wide range of local and national partners.” 

SDS’s Director of CIAG Operations James Russell said: “Working together, we hope to grow Scottish Careers Week into an inclusive annual campaign. In our inaugural week, we want to demonstrate the expert support available across Scotland and inspire people to get involved to learn more about the jobs and skills of the future.”  

The theme for this year’s campaign is ‘Shape the Future’, designed to encourage people of all ages to think about their future skills and shine a light on the support that’s available across Scotland to help. 

The week follows the 2021 United Nations climate change conference (COP26) in Glasgow, and the campaign will ensure ‘green’ skills and jobs are promoted with themed events, expert advice and new resources.  

Scottish Careers Week is also taking place during a key phase of the ongoing review of Scottish career services. Launched in February, the SDS-led review has been capturing evidence from young people, parents and carers, employers, teachers and stakeholders across the career system.  

Following Scottish Careers Week, the Career Review Programme Board will deliver final recommendations to Ministers in December which will aim to build on the good practice that already exists in Scotland.   

Ahead of the November launch of Scottish Careers Week, people of all ages can access career support online at any time on SDS’s careers website My World of Work.  

My World of Work will also host details of all events taking place during Scottish Careers Week. Visit myworldofwork.co.uk/scottish-careers-week for details of events to attend and information for partners, employers and schools on getting involved.