"Last year was great but this year is better!" - EWC Careers Day 23

Following another hugely successful Careers Day at Erskiine Waterfront Campus (EWC), we asked the organiser Emma Heaney, the school’s Employability Mentor, what it is about the day that makes it such a success. Emma told us:

“Careers Day has been running for 3 years now and is an important part of the new school year. It sets the scene for looking towards the future and provides opportunities for young people to explore what is available to them beyond school. It opens a door to discovery and young people are able to feel positive about the school, combatting the stigma around what EWC is. “

EWC was opened in 2018 in a decision to move away from residential schools, and now instead the young people stay in houses in the local community, go to school and go home again in line with a mainstream learning experience.

Emma continued: “Careers Day has also connected our school with the local community, so we are recognised and valued as an education provider. This year we also welcomed families into our school community. inviting parents to attend as part of our commitment to #keepthepromise.”

This was reflected in the number of organisations who attended this year, including Skills Development Scotland, the SSPCA, Barnardos, Celtic Football Club and The Army – complete with a 35ft inflatable assault course.

The Animal Man was also invited this year and set up an area where there were chickens, snakes and even a tarantula. As a few of the pupils had expressed an interest in becoming a vet or a veterinary nurse this was a great opportunity for them to get up close and personal to creatures they wouldn’t meet every day! Not surprisingly one pupil commented “the animals were my favourite part.”

The Scottish Fire Service, always a firm favourite with the young people, this year brought the larger airport fire truck – leaving some of the young people in awe of its size;

‘I can't believe how big the tyres are on the airport fire truck, they are bigger than me!'

The biggest surprise, however, came when the young people were leaving for the day and the engine demonstrated its impressive reach by showering them with water from the other side of the playing field. The squeals of ‘do it again!’ were a joy.

Careers Day is also appreciated by the other local schools and nurseries that attend. Feedback for this year included: “the young people enjoy Careers Day and exploring what's on offer, last year was great, but this year is better'. They also commented on the value behind young people being able to interact and chat with services such as Police Scotland, who themselves acknowledged that;

“Careers day has made an impact on how young people view the police, they have begun to trust and build relationships with us now.’

For pupils at EWC the day has an additional impact. One pupil commented “'I feel proud because it's my school” and there were requests from other young people asking, 'how do I get to come to your school!?” and “can we come back next year?”

Of course, the real purpose for an event such as this is realising positive outcomes for the young people who attend. This year one young person has left with a potential volunteer role with the SSPCA after they pass their driving test, another is accessing support through Invest and a connection has been made with Barnardos for another young person who is being supported to access a programme that will help them prepare for college.

EWC is clearly a place where pupils feel secure and are encouraged to positively explore their futures and the Careers Day event is a perfect vehicle for this – not just for those pupils at the school, but within the whole community.

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