Summer programme launched for young people in the north of Scotland to inspire and support the next generation
A summer programme has been launched for young people in the north of Scotland.
Led by Focus North, it includes a series of events designed to inspire and support the next generation in Caithness and Sutherland.
The events – named Live Highland, Live Happy – have been created in partnership with Developing the Young Workforce North Highland (DYWNH) in direct response to feedback provided by local secondary school pupils.
Each year, DYWNH surveys school pupils in Wick, Thurso and Farr High Schools, to gain insight into their feelings about living and working in the region.
Over the years, consistent themes emerge around mental health, communication skills and local career options.
In response, Live Highland, Live Happy offers a range of free events designed for young people in Wick and Thurso.
One of the events is Minecraft Education ‘Reinventing Regions’. It is thought to be a first in Scotland and challenges S1-S3 pupils to work in small teams to rebuild their region.
With support from local youth workers, pupils will create a healthy and sustainable landscape incorporating green space, community facilities, appropriate housing, and renewable energy.
All participants will receive a participation certificate and the school with the best design wins a PlayStation 5, kindly sponsored by Amentum.
Another event includes ersonal coaching from Dee Bleakley, a former teacher and motivational coach
They will host four interactive workshops designed to support young people to achieve their full potential.
The first workshop focuses on building confidence and managing anxiety, while the second workshop centres on communication skills particularly with regards to job interviews. Both workshops will be held in Wick and Thurso.
Skills Development Scotland will also deliver their ever-popular workshops using LEGO to explore renewable technology.
The team will additionally bring a range of interactive tools to help young people explore career options, including VR goggles for virtual work experience.
A Powering Futures: parents’ workshop will support pupils and their parents to explore career options together.
Using a new AI tool the Powering Futures team will help match pupils’ skills to potential job opportunities, and guide one-to-one discussions about potential pathways.
Global engineering firm Amentum will deliver an online workshop to help pupils develop their CVs.
The expert team will discuss the winning formula for successful CVs and covering letters before exploring real CVs and providing feedback and ideas.
All workshops are free of charge, and open to all, with dates spread throughout July and August. However, spaces are limited and booking is essential.
Peter Faccenda, programme manager for Focus North said: “Caithness and Sutherland has huge economic potential and opportunities are beginning to emerge that will transform our region in the decades to come. It’s essential that we have the local workforce to seize those opportunities, and that means reaching out to young people now.
“As a partnership we feel very positive about the future of the North Highlands, but often we struggle to communicate that message direct to local families.
“We want the next generation to feel inspired and empowered about their career prospects and to recognise that if they wish to stay local, there are meaningful and rewarding careers right here on their doorstep.
“This programme is one important step towards achieving that.”
Focus North and DYWNH have also recruited a small group of school pupils to act as junior ‘reporters’.
The reporters will attend the summer programme events, capturing footage and feedback from their peers.
With help from videographer Kevin Matthews at Local Lens Media, they will create a video report which will be played to delegates at the Focus North annual conference in October.
Peter Faccenda added: “This is a great opportunity to hear direct from local young people about what they really think – and challenge all stakeholders on how we will work together to address those issues.”
DYWNH Lead and Caithness Chamber of Commerce chief executive, Trudy Morris said: “This inspirational summer programme is a fantastic opportunity for young people to enhance their skills and CVs.
“There is so much on offer from various partners not only for young people but also for parents. This region has great career prospects, and we hope this programme will inspire and motivate.”
Event details and booking information for Live Highland Live Happy can be found at: https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/focus-north-dyw-summer-programme-2025-4337533