Success of Siuthad!’ event
More than 100 young people attended a Gaelic careers event in Inverness last week aimed at promoting jobs using the language.
The event called ‘Siuthad!’ attracted pupils from high schools across the Highlands as well as Argyll and Bute. One pupil from Inverness Royal Academy said “it was good that we had the opportunity to participate”.
‘Siuthad!’ took place on March 19 at Eden Court and was organised by The Highland Council in partnership with Skills Development Scotland. It gave young people the opportunity to engage with individuals using Gaelic in their jobs.
Professionals working in the media, arts, sports and the education sector were in attendance. Pupils also had the chance to look over the literature and use interactive ICT programmes that demonstrated the employment opportunities available in teaching, early years, pre-school and health and social care.
Councillor Hamish Fraser Chairman of the Gaelic Implementation Group said: “This was an extremely successful event as I could see that it gave the pupils a chance to meet people who are employed in the Gaelic sector. It also gave them an opportunity to hear Gaelic and use the language in informal settings whilst participating in events at the various stalls.”
Another Inverness Royal Academy pupil commented: “Siuthad day was excellent, and informative. The staff from all the organisations were present at the stalls were very helpful, and the information given was very interesting.”
Organisations such as, SNH, Creative Scotland, Bòrd na Gàidhlig, HIE and the NHS were also present.
Seonag Campbell, Skills Development Scotland’s area manager for the Highlands and Islands was among the staff who attended the event and interacted with the young people.
Seonag said: “We were delighted that so many different professionals took the time to attend on the day and share their experiences with the young people. Hearing about different sectors and jobs really opened their eyes to the vast number of opportunities available that would allow them to use the Gaelic language.
“Siuthad also raised awareness among the attendees of how important it is for them to research careers and understand how their skills can be used within the changing world of work.”