Primary schools in Fife are blazing a trail when it comes to career education by being among the first in Scotland to use innovative new online tools.
Primary five to seven pupils and their teachers across the region have spearheaded the use of three digital resources on Scotland’s careers website My World of Work, which aims to support the work of careers advisers in the classroom.
Schools taking part include Torbain Primary in Kirkcaldy, where more than 100 pupils have already found the website tools hugely beneficial.
The school already hosts an annual careers fair, which is attended by a number of employers, and is one of 15 primary schools across Fife that have taken part in the council’s 4 to Fortune Challenge, where pupils are challenged to raise as much money as they can for charity.
Starting with just £4, primary six and seven pupils have four weeks to use their cash to make, mend and buy items they can sell.
Torbain also offers jobs to primary seven pupils throughout the school, helping them to develop their skills and experience working life.
Claire Dingwall, principal teacher at Torbain, explained: “It’s increasing pupils’ awareness of potential jobs that they could one day be doing, and opening their eyes to types of careers that they maybe didn’t realise exist.
“The digital tools provide an interesting and engaging way to highlight skills to young people and for self-assessment.
“As feedback is specific, pupils can start thinking about their skills, qualities and strengths, and how they can get even better in these areas.”
The interactive tool also provides information to the pupil on their personality, skills and the types of careers that might suit them.
Councillor Altany Craik, convener of Fife’s economy, tourism, strategic planning and transportation Ccommittee, said: “Young people start soaking up ideas about careers from a very young age – and it’s never too young to start thinking about career options.
“All this is supporting Fife’s Developing the Young Workforce plan to ensure that all pupils secure the skills that prepare them for their future career.
“Fife Council is committed to providing young people with the right education, training and experience to get into fulfilling jobs and careers.
“This is one of a range of programmes taking place in Fife to produce motivated, work-ready pupils and promote a fairer Fife.”
