Developing the Young Workforce Inverness & Central Highland

01/06/2026

🛬✈️Don't miss the RAF landing in Inverness 👇

✈️ The RAF is landing in Inverness!

From 19 to 21 June, the Royal Air Force will be taking over Northern Meeting Park, Inverness for a free weekend of live demos, hands-on activities and career inspiration.

This is a brilliant opportunity for young people, families and anyone interested in finding out more about life in the RAF.

Across the weekend, visitors can explore:

🔹 RAF aircraft displays
🔹 STEM discovery activities
🔹 Fitness and problem-solving challenges
🔹 Live RAF Band performances
🔹 Career conversations with serving RAF personnel

There will also be some fantastic displays to look out for, including a Typhoon FGR4 flypast from RAF Lossiemouth on Friday 19 June at 1pm, and the RAF Falcons Parachute Display on Sunday 21 June at 1pm.

📅 19 to 21 June
⏰ 10am to 5pm
📍 Northern Meeting Park, Inverness
🎟️ Free entry - Register at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/raf-town-show-inverness-tickets-1983351755491?aff=A5FlyerEng%0D

A great chance to learn, explore and be inspired by the wide range of opportunities available within the Royal Air Force.

29/05/2026

⚖️ Interested in a career in law? ⚖️

Applications are now open for the Summer 2026 Law Experience Programme at Inverness Sheriff Court – a fantastic opportunity for Highland students considering a future in the legal sector.

Delivered at the Inverness Justice Centre, the four-day programme will give young people the chance to:
✔️ Observe real court proceedings
✔️ Learn about criminal law and the Scottish legal system
✔️ Develop debating, legal analysis and public speaking skills
✔️ Take part in a mock trial before a local Sheriff

No prior legal knowledge is needed – just enthusiasm, commitment and a genuine interest in exploring a future career in law through university or vocational pathways.

📍 Inverness Sheriff Court
📅 Tuesday 14 – Friday 17 July 2026
👥 Open to students entering S5 or S6 in 2026/27
⏰ Applications close: Friday 5 June 2026 at 5pm

To apply, complete the application form here 👉 https://forms.office.com/e/hYx2v9FnT1

For queries, contact: [email protected]

25/05/2026

💚 Helping young people build confidence, learn new skills, and explore future careers 🌍

We’re proud to welcome ILM Highland as a new DYW Pledge Partner! Through their partnership with DYW Inverness & Central Highland, young people across the Highlands have been taking part in hands-on workshops, workplace visits, and real-life experiences linked to sustainability, recycling, and community projects.

From building confidence and communication skills to discovering career pathways they may never have considered before, the partnership is already creating a positive impact for pupils across the region.

✨ “We have seen young people grow in confidence, develop practical and interpersonal skills, and gain first-hand insight into workplace environments,” says Angela Stewart from ILM Highland.

Read the full story and see how local partnerships are helping inspire the next generation 👇
🔗 https://www.dywich.co.uk/2026/05/case-study-ilm-highland-creating-opportunities-through-sustainability-and-social-enterprise/

22/05/2026

🌱🍺 From field to finished product – learning beyond the classroom at Black Isle Brewery 🌿

Great to see pupils from Fortrose Academy gaining hands-on insight into sustainable farming, food production and brewing during a fantastic visit to Black Isle Brewery, organised by DYW School Coordinator Kate Morris.

During the visit, pupils learned about the journey from organic barley to finished product, hearing directly from head brewer Richard about the brewing, canning and distribution process. They also explored the estate farm and market garden with head gardener Jon, discovering more about crop rotation, soil fertility and the importance of sustainable growing practices.

The experience gave pupils valuable exposure to careers across food and drink production, agriculture and sustainability, while also getting hands-on in the polytunnels planting seedlings and learning the importance of teamwork in a real working environment. Opportunities like this help young people connect classroom learning with the industries and opportunities on their doorstep.

A huge thank you to the team at Black Isle Brewery for such an engaging and educational experience 👏

15/05/2026

🦒 Inspiring the next generation of women in STEM 🔬

Fantastic to see Culloden Academy School’s S3 Girls Do STEM group enjoying an inspiring visit to the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland Highland Wildlife Park as part of this year’s Girls Do STEM programme.

Following a behind-the-scenes tour of the drive-through reserve, pupils took part in a Q&A session with women working across conservation, zoology and wildlife education, hearing first-hand about their career journeys and the important role women play across STEM industries.

💬Soraya Macdonald, DYW School Coordinator at Culloden Academy, said, “The Girls Do STEM programme has given pupils the opportunity to meet inspiring role models from a wide range of industries and see the many different pathways available within STEM careers. Visits like this are so valuable in helping young people build confidence, ask questions and understand that these careers are truly accessible to them.”💬

💚 A huge thank you to the team at Highland Wildlife Park and to all the employers and organisations who supported the 2025/26 Girls Do STEM programme, including Highlands and Islands Airports Limited, Morrison Construction, SSEN Transmission, West Fraser Europe, NHS Highland/ NHS Highland Recruitment, Uilebheist Distillery and Brewery, and RESILIENCE Medicine.

14/05/2026

☕ From classroom to coffee shop – S3 Barista students step into the world of hospitality ☕

Great to see S3 Barista students from Culloden Academy School gaining real-world experience with a fantastic visit to Starbucks, where they were given a behind-the-scenes insight into life in the hospitality sector.

Students explored everything from the origins of coffee and the importance of customer experience, to teamwork, product knowledge and the sensory elements that shape taste. They also discovered how food pairing and techniques like the famous “coffee slurp” can completely change flavour perception – before getting hands-on creating the popular Strawberry Acai Refresha 🍓.

Opportunities like this are a brilliant example of learning beyond the classroom, helping young people connect their studies to real careers while building confidence and employability skills.

💬Soraya Macdonald, DYW School Coordinator, said - “It was fantastic to see our S3 Barista students so engaged throughout the visit. Experiences like this bring learning to life and help pupils understand the wide range of roles and opportunities available within hospitality and customer service.” 💬

A huge thank you to Bekka and Abby at Starbucks for delivering such an engaging and inspiring session.

13/05/2026

This 5-month course, developed in partnership with the Civil Engineering Contracting Association (CECA), aims to address the skills gap within the industry by developing a future talent pipeline of Civil Engineering Operatives in Scotland.

12/05/2026

📌Don't miss the Applicants & Information Day – Saturday 16 May, 10am–2pm at UHI Inverness 🤩🤩👇

Join us at UHI Inverness for our Applicant and Information Day on Saturday 16 May, 10am–2pm. Whether you’ve already applied or you’re still exploring your options, this is the ideal chance to experience life on campus and get your questions answered.

➕ Chat to friendly staff
➕ Take a campus or department tour
➕ Get advice on applications, funding and student support

🔧 Explore our dedicated Engineering Hub
If engineering is your passion, don’t miss a visit to our Engineering Hub, where you can test out our VR headsets and welding simulator.

🌲 Interested in forestry or horticulture? Visit the Scottish School of Forestry at Balloch on the same day for tours, demonstrations and opportunities to meet industry professionals.

✅ No need to book – just drop in
📍 UHI Inverness Campus
🕙 10am–2pm

Find out more in the comments 👇

11/05/2026

Some dates for diary! Lots of NHS Highland Career Inspiration Weeks events taking place across the Highlands to help who are leaving school across S4-S6 age groups.

Please share with or tag anyone you think might be interested in exploring a rewarding career in the NHS.

Unlock your potential with our Career Inspiration Weeks ✅

Pupils will spend four days exploring careers in the NHS🏥🔬🩺

The immersive, hand-on workshops are led by practitioners from across health and social care, and support young people to develop skills for employment.

Our next event is in the Lawson Memorial Hospital, Golspie between 2nd - 5th June 2026.

Speak to your guidance teacher or DYW co-ordinator for further information.

09/05/2026

🎓 School Leavers – Start Your Career in Accountancy with Saffery! 💼

Looking for an alternative to university? Ready to earn, learn, and build a professional career from day one?

An exciting opportunity has opened with Saffery in Inverness for an Accounts Trainee — with full support to achieve prestigious qualifications like AAT, ICAS, or ACCA 📊

💡 Why this is a brilliant opportunity:
✅ Paid, full-time role with a competitive salary
✅ Study support while you work towards a recognised qualification
✅ Flexible working hours to suit your lifestyle
✅ Real experience with live clients and projects from day one

📚 What you’ll be doing:
• Preparing accounts and financial statements
• Working with modern accounting software like Xero
• Supporting clients and solving real business challenges
• Learning about VAT, budgets, cash flow, and much more

🌱 What you’ll gain:
• A professional qualification (without student debt!)
• Hands-on experience in a fast-paced, supportive environment
• Mentoring, structured training & social events
• A clear long-term career path

👀 Who they’re looking for:
• School leavers with strong grades (including Maths & English)
• People who are motivated, organised, and keen to learn
• Those interested in business, finance, and problem-solving

📍 Location: Inverness
⏰ Hours: Flexible (core hours 10am–4pm)
📅 Closing Date: 30th May 2026

🚀 This is your chance to start a professional career straight from school — no university required!

👉 Apply now and take your first step into accountancy - visit our website's job page to find out more here - https://www.dywich.co.uk/job/school-leaver-accounts-trainee-aat-and-icas-or-acca-with-saffery/