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Education, Skills and Training

Under this section there are various links that will help you decide on college courses or give you more information on apprenticeships and training that is available. 


Community Learning and Development (CLD) Employability Team

The team support young people aged 16-24, including parents, through a variety of ways, including providing one-to-one support from a dedicated Employability Keyworker, group work, skills development, and wage incentive schemes.  

The support offered will be tailored to meet the needs of the individuals we work with, and people will be supported to engage with opportunities, services, advice, and information to support them make informed decisions and make positive steps towards their chosen paths. 

They also work with partners across all sectors, including local employers, to plan, design and deliver employability support and services to meet the needs of the young people and communities we work with. 

The support they offer includes; help with employability, mentoring, advocacy / signposting, group development programmes, training and in-work support. Find out more at www.orkney.gov.uk/CLD.


VAO ConnectConnect

Connect is here for young adults who may need some support after leaving school and before moving on to further education, employment, or independent living. 

If you have left school, or are leaving school soon, we can work with you through individual and tailored programmes to build your confidence and skills. You will be more positive about life decisions after your time with us. 

With a mix of educational and fun activities, support attending meetings and visits to a range of people and places you will become connected to us, each other, and your community. 

For further information please email connect@vaorkney.org.uk.


Education


Orkney College

They are one of the partner colleges that make up the University of the Highlands and Islands.  They deliver a wide range of higher education, degree, and postgraduate learning options in addition to the traditional base of further education. 

Whether you are a school leaver or haven’t studied for some time, there is something for everyone at Orkney College UHI. 

Find out more on the Orkney College website.  Pages that may be of interest include the course list and the student support page.


Skills Development Scotland (SDS)

They have a team of Careers Advisers based in Orkney, who work in Kirkwall Grammar School, Stromness Academy, and the three Junior High Schools in Westray, Sanday and Stronsay. They also have a careers centre in Kirkwall where they can meet with individuals who have left school. They work closely with other partners too such as Orkney College and JobCentre Plus. 

In school they deliver group sessions from S1 onwards on various topics such as post-school options and employability, and they can also meet with Senior Phase pupils one-to-one to talk through their ideas for the future. If you’re in S4, S5 or S6 and think you’d find it useful to talk to a Careers Adviser in school, just let your Guidance Teacher know and they will pass your name on to us. If you’ve left school and would like some support – maybe you’re struggling to find work or would like to make a change and try something new – call them on 01856 872460 or email kirkwall@sds.co.uk to arrange an appointment. Services are free, confidential, and tailored to your individual needs. 

They also have a website, www.myworldofwork.co.uk, with many useful tools to help you with making career decisions, researching courses, and applying for jobs. 


Training