Ds struggling in S6, where can he get career advice?

[ssd]

he isn't sure what to study/what to aim for/or what to do after leaving school

his school only see uni as a destination and ds isn't sure its for him, even though he did well in highers

he hates stem subjects

I feel he'd benefit from advice one to one, but where is the issue?

any advice?

dh and I left school at 15/16 so havent a clue

He could go to Skills development Scotland, they have centres all over the country and help with this type of issue.

I would also advise skills development Scotland. Depending on what council you live in there are also youth employability teams and your DS would be able to get a designated key worker who would support him into other training opps or a modern apprenticeship. Skills development Scotland's website My world of work is really useful to help guide your DS towards modern apprenticeship etc and there is also quizes that help identify his skills and possible career paths x

Sorry if I'm stating the obvious, but has he actually tried discussing this with his guidance teacher / school careers adviser? My lot are hopeless at either seeking out or taking advantage of the resources / advice on offer. Skills development Scotland have direct links into schools so he should be able to access them this way.

The other suggestion would be to get him to go to one of the big jobs fairs aimed at his age group. However that can be a bit daunting if he really has no clue.

In DSs school the careers service is run by SDS so there is a school link with the person from there and they will be on school at set times or can be contacted via SDS. My World of Work and also APprenticeships Scotland if that's a route for him, or maybe check out colleges for a different range of things that may interest him.

I have one in S6 who definitely doesn't want to leave yet but again has no clue. Last weeks bright idea was being a barman (the week before it was joining the marines). I suggested either getting a customer facing part time job dealing with cash while he is still 17 and can't serve in a bar or doing catering at college or getting a job in a hotel for a while and seeing if that was of any interest. It is tough when they have no clue whatsoever. I still don't know what I want to do. :)

theukbulletin.com/2018/08/15/call-for-students-as-air-traffic-service-demand-rises/

Air-traffic controller either at an airfield or in Southampton or Prestwick.

www.nats.aero/careers/

Tell him to become a driving instructor when he is old enough. Trying to get one is hard, a good one even more so, and one that can organise a piss up in a brewery is non existent it seems.

Schools have to publish figures for positive destinations so will be speaking to him regarding his future plans before long. Where I teach each S6 pupil has a designated mentor to help the young person. Last year my mentees were looking at college, apprenticeships and volunteering overseas. Was a welcome break from UCAS! I actually felt that I genuinely gave and got more back with those pupils as we spent time looking at their skills, aims, values even.

Back to 3 university applicants this year

He could ask his guidance teacher to refer to the SDS adviser who will be in school a number of days per week.
Alternatively he finds out where the adviser is based in the school and knocks the door. There will probably be a lunchtime drop in he can access without an appointment as a starting point.
Have a look at My world of Work yourself too. There's a section specifically for parents but loads of other good stuff about different pathways/career sectors on it too.
HTH

thanks everyone

Skills Development Scotland are ideal in your son's case. They work closely with our school for anyone who doesn't want further education and seem to have quite a few alternatives for pupils.

their website is www.apprenticeships.scot for apprenticeships and myworldofwork.co.uk for online careers guidance but as PPs have said there should be a careers adviser in his school.