Careers

We aim to ensure that all our young people are prepared for the transition to a positive post-school destination. All young people on their time of leaving school should have at least one offer of a learning destination.

What constitutes a positive post-school destination?

• Higher Education
• Further Education
• Training Placement
• Employment
• Volunteering
• Activity Agreement

Links with Skills Development Scotland

All pupils are able to access the Skills Development Scotland (SDS) website My World of Work (opens new window) and this should be the first place to look at careers advice. If you have not already done so, get registered now.

However, if you require further careers advice then you can:

• make an appointment via the School Librarian
• discuss with with Charlene Duncan, Careers Adviser , 
• SDS Contact info over holidays SDS Information for School Leavers (PDF, 149 KB)(opens new window)
• make use of the fantastic My World of Work (opens new window)

SDS will also link into our PSE Programme.

Careers Library

There is an extensive careers section within the school library. Young people are encouraged to gather information from college and university prospectuses as well as well as training and employment opportunities.

Post School Programme

All leavers will have support to help them achieve their preferred positive post school destination.  Our annual Post School Programme includes:

• College workshops to support application 
• Personal Statement Advice workshop for all pupils to support the submission of draft Personal Statements
• Annual Careers Evening
• College and University presentations
• LEAPS and SAAS presentations on widening access and student finance
• College and University visits
• Assemblies with entrepreneurs to discuss self employment
• Assemblies to outline Summer School opportunities

Additional Support

The James Young High School has strategies to support young people who require, for a variety of reasons, additional support to move into a post school destination. These strategies fall under the 'More Choices, More Chances' remit and can include the following:

• Extended work experience placements
• Mock interviews
• Employer visits
• Visits to training providers
• College campus visits
• Application form sessions and support
• Non-attender support 
• Community projects - including charity work
• Volunteering opportunities

Useful Links

For all career related advice as well as useful tools such as a CV builder and Course Search - My World of Work (opens new window)

Make use of West Lothian's own Positive Destinations (opens new window) website for information on current job opportunities as well as advice on all post school options.

Studying for SQA Qualifications Using SCHOLAR (opens new window)