Young Scots Looking to Jobs in Health, Creative Industries and Engineering

Skills Development Scotland (SDS) has published its Pupil Voice research which reveals nearly one in five 16-to-18-year-olds in Scotland want jobs in the medicine and health sector when they finish their studies.

Group of young people in classroom with career adviser

SDS surveyed almost 11,000 S4 to S6 pupils – one of the biggest pieces of research of its kind in Scotland.

Nurse, mental health worker, paramedic, midwife and physiotherapist were among the Healthcare related job roles picked out by young people.

Jobs in the Creative Industries including photographer, musician and designer came a close second place in the research. Roles in Engineering, including mechanical and electrical, complete the top 3 most sought-after sectors.

The Pupils Voice survey was carried out alongside a similar survey for parents and carers, with more than 4,000 respondents from across Scotland.

Results show parents and carers are interested in finding out more about the types of skills needed for future jobs, the range of learning and career options as well as Modern and Graduate Apprenticeships.

Top of mind for parents when it comes to a career for their child is what their child chooses to study, what they enjoy and what they’re good at, chiming in with the career management skills young people are picking up via careers services.

They were also keen to find out how best to support their young people to find a job. With SDS careers website My World of Work getting positive feedback as easy to use with a good range of tools and resources.