Equipping the youth of today with skills for tomorrow – How Academy9 Supports Future Success
Guest blog written by Debbie Khadi, DYW School Coordinator – DYW ICHI
In today’s rapidly evolving job market, young people need more than just academic knowledge to thrive—they need a strong set of transferable skills. These are essential skills that can be applied across different careers and industries, helping individuals adapt, grow, and succeed in an ever-changing job market.
Academy9 understands the importance of equipping young people with these skills from a young age. Through engaging events, workshops, and online resources, delivered in collaboration with schools and businesses, Academy9 provide opportunities for students to develop critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, and teamwork skills – key competencies that will serve them well in any career path they choose.
Why Are Transferable Skills Important?
The workplace of the future is evolving, with tech developments and automation reshaping industries. Employers today are looking for individuals who can adapt, collaborate, and thinkcritically rather than just those with subject-specific expertise. Developing transferable skills allows young people to:
- Be adaptable – As industries change, so do job roles. Transferable skills make it easier to transition between careers.
- Increase employability – Employers prioritise soft skills like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving.
- Boost confidence – Being well-equipped with versatile skills empowers young people to tackle new challenges head-on.
- Improve problem-solving abilities – Real-world situations require creative and strategic thinking, which comes from practicing these skills.
How Academy9 Helps Develop Transferable Skills
Academy9 is committed to providing young people with the tools they need to develop and apply transferable skills through interactive learning experiences. Here’s how they do it:
1. Engaging Events and Workshops
Hands-on events allow students to step outside the traditional classroom setting and immerse themselves in real-world scenarios. These experiences encourage teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving – skills that will serve them well in any profession.
2. Industry Collaboration and Insights
Through partnerships with professionals from various sectors, Academy9 gives students a glimpse into different career paths and the skills required to succeed in them. Learning directly from industry experts helps them understand the practical applications of their skills.
3. Interactive Online Resources
Recognising the importance of accessibility, Academy9 provides a range of online resources that students can use to build their skills at their own pace. These resources include challenges, videos, and exercises designed to enhance critical thinking, communication, and digital literacy.
4. Real-World Learning Opportunities
Through activities like mock projects, problem-solving tasks, and group challenges, young people can put their transferable skills to the test in a supportive environment. This hands-on learning approach ensures they are prepared for future challenges, whether in further education or the workplace.
Why Should Businesses Partner with Education?
By working with Developing the Young Workforce Inverness & Central Highland (DYWICH) School Coordinators, companies can play an active role in shaping the workforce of tomorrow.
Through employer engagement, students gain industry exposure, hands-on learning opportunities, and a deeper understanding of career pathways. At the same time, businesses benefit by fostering relationships with potential future employees and demonstrate their commitment to social responsibility.
Academy9 serves as a blueprint for education and industry partnership. Recognising the power of partnerships between industry and education, Academy9 is building a legacy of STEM-related skills and achievement through a series of progressive STEM activities and experiences.
Join Us in Shaping Scotland’s Future Workforce
Academy9 and DYWICH are working together to bridge the gap between education and employment, but we need more businesses to get involved. Whether through mentoring, event participation, or resource development, your expertise can make a real impact.
If you are an industry professional looking to build or grow a partnership with education, check out our Academy9 ‘how to guides’. You can also reach out to Debbie Khadi, debbie.khadi@dywich.co.uk, from DYW who would love to connect with you. Together we can inspire the future workforce!
