Apprentice Day for Highland Youth Parliament Members
Today (17 March) young people from all parts of Highland will get the chance to play the “Apprentice” by shadowing senior officials within The Highland Council and partner organisations, Northern Constabulary, Highland and Islands Fire and Rescue Service and NHS Highland.
This will be the 4th Apprentice Day held in the Highlands. Members of Highland Youth Voice, the youth parliament for the Highlands, have found this event to be a great way of developing their links with policy makers and decision-takers. Highland Youth Voice members hope the day will help raise awareness of Highland Youth Voice and local youth forums; to explore the relevance of services to young people, and to inform senior managers on young people’s perceptions of the services they provide.
The day will start in Inverness at 10am and will involve young people in a range of meetings and discussions in and around Inverness, the day will then culminate in a meal at the Eden Court Restaurant where more informal discussions will continue over food.
Convener of the Highland Council Sandy Park said: “We actively encourage young people to get involved in their local communities and put across their views on a wide range of topics. Their input can shape the way public services are delivered. The Apprentice Day is a great opportunity to find out a bit more, first hand, how the Council works and how the confidence and new skills they are learning can be transferred into a work situation. I wish everyone taking part a very enjoyable and productive day.”
The Apprentice Day is organised by the Highland Council’s Highland-wide Youth development team, including Catriona Burns, Highland Youth Convener. Catriona said: “The Apprentice day is an excellent opportunity for young people to meet the decision-makers that affect their lives. In previous years, the adults have benefited as much from getting a young person’s view of their service as the young person has from the learning experience. It’s great the day is so well supported by the Council and Community Planning Partners. I’m sure the event will be a great success.”
The young people shadowing Highland Council officials for the day are:
Ickey MacDonald from Glenurquhart High School; Alishya McStay from Kingussie High School; Roxanne Ramsay from Gairloch High School; Natasha Mackay from Farr High School; Paige Shepherd and Fraser Thomson from Fortrose Academy; Rosa Jack, The Calman Trust; Robin Falconer and Louis Mackinnon, Wick High School; Aimee Lee, Nairn Academy; John Donaldson, Ardnamurchan High School; Jamie Basset, Plockton High School;