Making Learning Work For Young People – was the focus of Forth Valley College’s annual engagement dinner held at the Stirling Campus on Wednesday 30 May.
Young people, industry professionals, academics, lecturers, pupils and students were among the guests at the dinner and networking event where Jamie Hepburn Scottish Minister for Employability and Training, was the main guest speaker.
FVC Principal Dr Ken Thomson welcomed more than 120 invited guests to the Campus for a three course meal prepared and served by the college’s Hospitality students and staff. Music on the night will be provided by Rogue Feather – a traditional band of musicians with members coming from secondary schools across Stirling.
Sponsored by MacRoberts LLP and Developing Young Workforce Forth Valley (DYW) the event – provided a unique opportunity to recognise the activities of the College as part of the national Year of Young People celebrations. This is the fifth themed annual dinner held at the Stirling Campus – with last years’ event entitled Making Digital Work’ - offering a similar opportunity for invited guests to explore initiatives related to this field.
Jamie Hepburn, Minister for Employability and Training, said: “I congratulate Forth Valley College for their focus on Making Learning Work for Young People, with colleges and universities across Scotland playing a key role to ensuring our future economic prosperity.
“The Scottish Government is committed to improving the choices available to 15-24 years olds within the education and skills system, and our Developing Young Workforce strategy is designed to expand the learning and training pathways available to young people and reduce youth unemployment by 40% by 2021.
“We are working to deliver a system which will ensure all students and young people are on the right route to the right job, through the right course and the right information.”
Dr Ken Thomson, Principal of Forth Valley College, said: “Making Learning Work For Young People is at the core of what Forth Valley College does. Young people are key to the country’s long-term economic success. We must equip them for the world of work, and help and support them to realise their full potential.
“Here at Forth Valley College, we are playing our part to ensure that we offer a range of opportunities for young people. Our aim is to create a workforce for the future and help meet the Scottish Government’s target to reduce youth unemployment by 40%, by 2021.
“Part of this vision is to build better links between employers, colleges, universities and schools, and this dinner event is a great example of this in practice.
“It is hoped this evening has provided and opportunity for those invited to make connections, celebrate success and forge future partnerships with guests – from my colleagues at the college, schools, universities, employers and stakeholders.
“I’d also like this opportunity to thank all those who supported our evening including Jamie Hepburn Minister for Employability and Training, our sponsors MacRoberts LLP and DYW Forth Valley.”
Valerie Surgenor, a partner at MacRoberts LLP said: “Having worked closely with Forth Valley College for many years, MacRoberts was once again delighted to sponsor their annual engagement dinner. In this Year of Young People, it is vital that education is accessible to all to get a good step on the career ladder, and we are pleased to play a part in shaping this discussion.”
Jen Henderson, DYW Forth Valley Programme Manager, “This has been a fantastic opportunity for us to showcase existing good practice from businesses, education and partners across Forth Valley and the positive impact we are having on developing the young workforce in Forth Valley.
“So far businesses have supported more than 400 DYW activities in Forth Valley and together we are really making a difference. I would encourage employers to get involved in supporting activities that improve young people’s work preparation, inspiration and work based experience to better prepare them for the world of work. It will help give them the skills, experiences and qualifications they need, to move to positive destinations after school and make informed choices about the jobs and careers they want to pursue.”
Anyone wishing to follow the Making Learning Work For Young People on Twitter should use the hashtag #fvcdinner18 .
