This is a tense week for young people across Scotland, as they receive their exam results. Here at Focus North, we support DYW’s No Wrong Path campaign, which runs every August. There is no single ‘correct’ route to the future, and a winding path can be an exciting one. Here, our team share their own stories.
“I have a degree in metallurgy from Strathclyde University. When I left uni, my ambition was to go into manufacturing.
During a 25-year commercial business career I had numerous roles within the metal industry, including director and managing director of steelworks and fabrication businesses.
Now, I’m employed by HIE to lead the Focus North programme, supporting business growth and regional development across Caithness and North Sutherland.
My path to what I’m doing now wasn’t a straight line, but I’ve found that sometimes the unexpected turns lead somewhere great.”
Peter Faccenda, Programme Manager
“When I left school, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do, but I knew university wasn’t for me. I chose to study an HNC in Business at Thurso College while working part-time at Tesco.
After college, I joined Lochshell Engineering in an administration role and spent nine years building my skills and experience before moving to Focus North, where I’m now the Administration and Communications Officer.
Looking back, none of this was part of a master plan, but every experience helped shape my career. My advice? Don’t worry if you don’t have everything figured out. Be open to opportunities and trust that your path will develop as you go.”
Vicky Rosie, Administration & Communications Officer
“Growing up, I always wanted to be a writer, and I now run a communications business, so I got there!
However, my path took a lot of different twists along the way. I worked in magazines, newspapers and even TV – but I also worked in business development and even had four years as a local politician.
Every role was different and I learned so much along the way, both about the job and about myself. I’m a big believer in seeing your career as a journey and trusting your gut when it leads you somewhere unexpected.
I have a teenage daughter who’s not yet sitting exams, but when the time comes I’ll tell her that while good results open a lot of doors, they in no way define who you are or what you can accomplish.”
Nicola Rosie, communications consultant
Can your business help a local young person to take their first steps into their career? If so, please contact DYW to discuss work experience and training opportunities. It’s a small investment in time that has ripple benefits for our future workforce.
Lead Photo by Vladislav Babienko on Unsplash