Gaelic careers – Aim and Inspire
Gaelic pupils, both learners and fluent speakers, in S2 and S3 from schools across the Highlands will be attending a Gaelic careers event in Inverness tomorrow (Friday 31 October) aimed at encouraging them to consider job and training opportunities using the language.
The Gaelic Careers event called SIUTHAD! (Go On!), which takes place in Eden Court Theatre, is organised and funded by Skills Development Scotland and The Highland Council. SIUTHAD! also receives additional financial support from both Highlands and Islands Enterprise and Bòrd na Gáidhlig
Over 200 pupils from 12 secondary schools will come along to find out more about the range of Gaelic career opportunities available to Gaelic speaking young people when they leave school.
A number of national organisations will be present and a wide range of representatives will be available to inform the pupils of the career opportunities available within the Gaelic sector, including BBC radio and MG ALBA. Representatives from several industry sectors such as education professionals, arts, sports, music, early years’ specialists, publishers and drama will also be present.
As well as being informative and relatively informal, the event aims to be fun for those attending as they will get the chance to participate in a range of interactive activities including music and drama workshops lead by a leading actress from `Bannan’ – the new Gaelic drama which is currently being broadcast on BBC ALBA. There will also be a film workshop led by award winning organisation FILM G plus outdoor interactive activities.
Dr Alasdair Allan MSP, Minister for Learning, Science and Scotland’s Languages will also be there to open the event and speak to the pupils and the exhibitors.
Councillor Hamish Fraser, Chair of the Council’s Gaelic Implementation Group said: “This is the second SIUTHAD! Gaelic Careers Event taking place in the Highland capital. It is important that we continue to support young Gaelic speakers from the Highlands with their career choices from an early stage. Events such as this showcase the diversity of career pathways which they may wish to follow.”
“Supporting young people from the Highlands with their career choices from an early stage is an important part in establishing what paths they wish to follow. This event will provide an excellent chance for young people to see what opportunities are available when they leave school and help them to decide whether a career in the Gaelic economy is for them.
Councillor Alasdair Christie, Chair of the Education, Children and Adults Committee said: “Having a qualification in Gaelic opens doors to a whole range of courses and work opportunities, locally, nationally and internationally therefore it’s important that young people are enthused and given as much information as possible about their various options. The event is very interactive with many organisations and groups represented who employ Gaelic speaking professionals, and I am sure it will be a great success and will inspire the many young people who will be present on the day.”
Councillor Thomas Prag, Chair of the Planning, Development and Infrastructure Committee said: “In light of the huge economic and cultural success of the Mòd which took place in Inverness a couple of weeks ago, it is evident that there are career pathways for young people especially within Gaelic education An the creative industries sectors. SIUTHAD! aims to inspire many young Gaelic speakers and inform them of the options available within the Gaelic economy and hopefully they will go on to seek and gain employment here in the Highlands.”
Organisations present at the event will include the Scottish Parliament, Historic Scotland, NHS Highland, Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, the University of the Highlands and Islands, Police Scotland, CLI Gáidhlig and a range of other exhibitors.
The schools taking part are: Alness Academy; Charleston Academy; Culloden Academy; Dingwall Academy; Gairloch High School; Inverness Royal Academy; Lochaber High School; Millburn Academy; Plockton High School; Tain Royal Academy; Kingussie High School; Ullapool High School
ENDS