Developing the Young Workforce

At Irvine Royal Academy we believe in better and strive to ensure all pupils move on to secure a positive destination after leaving school – wither that’s finding a job, securing an apprenticeship, enrolling in an employability programme or continuing their education further by studying at college or university. We aim to ensure all pupils experience careers based opportunities that will develop their knowledge and understanding and equip them with transferable skills for life, learning and work.

I am Mrs Dorrian and alongside teaching Geography in the Social Studies and RME Faculty, I am also the Principal Teacher of Developing the Young Workforce (DYW). One of the main responsibilities of my role is to help embed careers education and experiences across the school community; this can range from securing partnerships with local/national businesses, organising work place/school visits and careers fayres. I also work in close partnership with our schools SDS Careers Advisor – Fiona Callan – to monitor positive destination and support young people achieve their desired pathway. Another main responsibility of my role is being UCAS Advisor, by supporting senior pupils making applications to study at university and through any widening access programmes.

I regularly tweet out updates on events, opportunities or information – follow @iRoyalDYW on Twitter to stay up-to-date on everything we have going on at Irvine Royal. Be sure to also keep an eye on the DYW board located on the ground floor for local part-time jobs and things to get involved in.

I am always looking to secure more partnerships that can enhance our curriculum and offering further. If you are a local business/individual who is interested in partnering with our school, please email me gw19dorrianemma@glow.sch.uk

UPCOMING EVENTS - 2024/25

Term 2

S4 Strathclyde Campus Visit - Wednesday 30th October 2025

S6 Top-Up Programme starts - Friday 7th November 2025

Scottish Careers Week - 10th-14th November 2025

S3 UWS Taster Session - Wednesday 12th November 2025

Curricular Marketplace - Friday 14th November 2025

UCAS Submission - Thursday 20th November 2025

College Group starts - wk beginning 15th December 2025

Term 3

S6 Routes for All Campus Session - January 2026 (date/time tbc)

SSR Pathways Session - wk beginning 19th January 2026 (date/time tbc)

Senior Leavers Information Assembly - wk beginning 23rd February 2026 (date/time tbc)

Scottish Apprenticeship Week - 2nd-6th March 2025

S6 Top-Up Campus Visit - March 2026 (date/time tbc)

Term 4

S3 Strathclyde Campus Visit - May/June (date/time tbc)

Work Experience

Mrs Gibson (PT Guidance) organises work experience placements for all pupils looking to gain experience. Please get in touch if you would like to secure a specific opportunity. 

Below is a video testimony of a pupil who recently completed work experience in partnership with the Chamber of Commerce: