Careers


Deciding your future can be a really frightening experience. Therefore, it is crucial that you access as much help and support as possible to ensure that the decision you make is well informed.
In years gone by, it would have been a much more straightforward decision, however, in the digital world that we now live in, the careers that you may end up following will not yet exist. In fact, most of the job vacancies that exist today, did not exist 5 years ago. It is, therefore, important to make sure that you access every possible source of support available to help you decide which path is right for you.
Skills Development Scotland Careers Advisers
Skills Development Scotland Careers Advisers are available in school to support the pupils in developing their Career Management Skills. The service is delivered through one-to-one appointments and group coaching during PSE classes. During the Career Guidance sessions pupils develop self-awareness and understanding of their strengths, explore their options and recognise the networks of support available. The pupils are also introduced to SDS digital services including myworldofwork.co.uk to encourage independent working. Careers Advisers and SDS Work Coaches continue to support pupils when they leave school until they attain work, training or learning opportunity they enjoy.
Careers Advisers attend Parents’ Evenings and are available to offer support to parents/guardians. Parents are encouraged to use the New Support site dedicated to parents on My World of Work.
Your SDS Careers Advisers at Lochside Academy are Sam Soyombo and Kaisa Macdonald. You can get in touch with them through the school. Either speak to your Pupil Guidance Teacher or drop in to our Lunchtime Drop-in Sessions on Thursdays.
Sam Soyombo qualified as a Careers Adviser from Edinburgh Napier University. He has a creative and inspiring approach to Career Guidance. He is empathetic and keen to help young people to realise their potential. He has previous experience working in ParentLine Scotland, Homelessness Projects, Student Recruitment and IT.
Sam is in Lochside Academy Monday to Friday during the school opening hours. During the School holidays he is available at the SDS Aberdeen Careers Centre, 381 Union Street Aberdeen AB11 6BT. You can contact Sam by email: Sam.Soyombo@sds.co.uk.
Kaisa Macdonald qualified as a Careers Adviser from the University of the West of Scotland. She has a person centred approach to Career Guidance and she is enthusiastic about supporting young people in finding the right career path for them. Kaisa has previous experience of working in University Widening Participation and Admissions.
Kaisa is in Lochside Academy Tuesday, Thursday and Friday during the school opening hours. During the School holidays she is available at the SDS Aberdeen Careers Centre, 381 Union Street Aberdeen AB11 6BT. You can contact Kaisa by email: Kaisa.Macdonald@sds.co.uk.
Careers Service in school
Skills Development Scotland (SDS) Careers Advisers work in close partnership with Principal Teachers of Guidance and the School Leadership Team in accordance with the Career Education Standard 3-18, providing Career Information, Advice and Guidance service listed below.
- S1-S4: Group work to develop Career Management Skills
- S3: 1-1 Subject Choice Guidance interview
- Senior phase pupils: 1-1 Coaching sessions and Drop-ins to continue the development of Career Management Skills to prepare them for Education, Apprenticeships or Training.
- Post School: Careers Advisers and Work Coach Services to get into work, training, or further education.
- Careers Advisers available for pre-booked appointments or drop-ins at Parents’ Evenings from S1-S6
- My World of Work online career information and resources. Get the most from your My World of Work account with our new profile feature, designed to personalise your experience.
- Partner Resources for Teachers and Youth Workers on My World of Work
- Parents Resources on MyWoW
- My World of Work Ambassadors