Tag: careers

Empowering the future of medical research

MEDICAL RESEARCH SCOTLAND INSPIRES OVER 1,400 YOUNG PEOPLE WITH LIVE-STREAMED EVENTS

Medical Research Scotland, Scotland’s largest independent medical research charity, has helped over 1,400 young people across Scotland connect with the country’s leading scientists and academics to learn about further education and careers in medical science.  

The Medical Research Scotland virtual academy has had a significant impact on the education and career prospects of pupils across Scotland. With participation from over 1,400 students from 36 schools spanning from Aberdeen to the Scottish Borders, the academy has successfully engaged students with an interest in STEM subjects. The primary goal for the academy is to address the shortage of STEM skills in Scotland by providing students with interactive experience and exposure to medical research. 

S4, S5 & S6 pupils from schools across Scotland joined each Friday morning for a month of live streamed weekly interactive lessons, which were broadcasted straight to their science classrooms, allowing pupils to watch from the comfort of their own learning environments. Throughout the course, students were treated to a range of inspiring and insightful presentations from scientists, lecturers, and PhD students whose studies were funded by Medical Research Scotland.  

The academy is a free tool that was delivered virtually and is also available to be streamed on demand making it a versatile resource that can be utilised throughout teaching schedules.

One school that benefitted from the Medical Research Scotland Academy virtual webinar series was James Gillespie’s High School in Edinburgh.

Pupils here gained the opportunity to learn about medical research into viruses, pharmaceuticals, how medical research was an integral part of combatting the global pandemic and much more from previous and present PhD students from the University of St Andrews, University of Aberdeen, Heriot-Watt University and the University of Dundee.  

Iain Coltart, Head of Science at James Gillespie’s High School, said: “I am thrilled to see the incredible impact of the Medical Research Scotland Academy on our pupils.

“Through this programme, our students have gained invaluable insights into cutting-edge medical research, engaging with leading experts in the field and deepening their understanding of scientific concepts.  

“The learning experience and exposure to real-world medical research has ignited their passion for science. We are grateful for this unique opportunity that has empowered our students and inspired them to pursue careers in the field of medical research.” 

Professor Heather Wallace, Chair of Medical Research Scotland, said: “As Chair of Medical Research Scotland, I take pride in Scotland’s rich heritage of producing world-class research scientists who have made ground-breaking discoveries and contributed to global health advancements.  

“The goal of the Medical Research Scotland Academy is to inspire and foster connections between the next generation of aspiring medical professionals and valued academics in Scotland. We have witnessed the immense enthusiasm for medical science among school leavers from various schools across the country, and it is truly gratifying to see.” 

Medical Research Scotland is dedicated to advancing health in Scotland and beyond through the support of cutting-edge research aimed at enhancing the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases.  

To join us in our mission, please visit our website at: 

medicalresearchscotland.org.uk 

and explore ways to contribute. 

If you would like to view this year’s Medical Research Scotland academy webinars, please visit: medicalresearchscotland.org.uk.  

Forces employment charity launches new initiative to celebrate Month of the Military Child

The Forces Employment Charity will be marking the Month of the Military Child this April, with a brand new set of resources to help young people of those who Serve and have Served with their next career step.

The charity, which was founded in 1885, originally helped veterans find civilian employment and has since expanded its services to offer support to Military families. This has recently extended to offering employment support to Young people from military families, both serving and veteran within the M3 area, owing to its unique EM3 Armed Forces Veterans and Families Programme.

The team working in the EM3 Armed Forces Veterans and Families come from military families themselves and therefore understand the importance of supporting young people who face an ever-changing situation, from frequent moves, education gaps and separation from parents’ and social networks.

Through extra support in education, training and expanding the pool of employment choices and a caseworker, the programmes supports young people to plan a clearer future.

The charity also works with many young people from across the UK through its long-standing programme, Future Horizons. This programme helps early Service Leavers with the next stage of their civilian career, which often includes younger veterans aged between 16-25.

Resources created for the Month of the Military Child will be specifically tailored to help those with little to no work experience of the civilian world, including a starter 101 series which will cover all the basics job seekers may need to get started, such as:

  • How to write a CV
  • How and where to look for jobs
  • How to write a cover letter
  • How to manage your first interview

The charity is also planning a social media takeover, which will include insights from people who grew up in Military families, speaking about their experiences, how they have shaped their careers, plus any advice they have to offer others from a similar background.

Joanne McLeod, EM3 Armed Forces and Families Programme Manager at Forces Employment Charity, says: “As a Military spouse, I understand the unique challenges that affect Forces families. From frequent house moves, to needing to fit in and make friends quickly, there can be a lot to manage.

“This can be particularly challenging for service children, who are moving schools, skipping parts of the curriculum and leaving behind their social networks. However, living in such unique circumstances also equips the Military community with an incredible skill set that can set them apart from other job seekers.”

Dame Joanna Lumley is supporting the initiative. Speaking about the impact being a Military child has had on her own career, she says: “Like many Military children, I went away to boarding school at a very young age.

“It meant I had to be able to find my feet pretty quickly and find ways to be able to relate to lots of different types of people. I never realised at the time how much those experiences would come to help me in my career!”

Joanne McLeod adds, “Our role at the Forces Employment Charity is to help people recognise those skills and find the best possible way to present themselves to employers, to maximise their chances of success.

“This is especially important for those just starting out, such as Military young people and/ or Early Service Leavers. I am delighted that we are able to offer a new and specialist set of resources to support this group in celebration of the Month of the Military Child.”

The Forces Employment Charity provides life-long, life-changing support, job opportunities, and training to Service leavers, veterans, reservists and their families, regardless of circumstances, rank, length of service, or reason for leaving. 

Its team of dedicated Advisors can help job seekers develop their employability to present candidates to employers in the best possible way. That can involve advice on what to apply for, how to find work and develop a good CV, interview skills, training, etc. 

For more information visit: www.forcesemployment.org.uk

Royal Bank of Scotland & Code First Girls partner to offer displaced Ukrainian women opportunities in Coding & Software Engineering 

Royal Bank of Scotland has partnered with Code First Girls, the largest provider of free coding courses and linked employment opportunities for women in the UK, to launch a bespoke recruitment drive for displaced female Ukrainians.

The programme is a first-of-its-kind in Scotland and will provide valuable career opportunities for displaced women in coding and software engineering. 

Opportunities for up to 60 women will be available from Wednesday, 22nd March with recruitment centres taking place at the Ukrainian Community Centre, Royal Terrace Edinburgh as well as the Leith Ukrainian refugee accommodation aboard the MS Victoria cruise liner.  

The programme will provide training and skills development over an initial 8 week period, with the opportunity for trainees to study for a full Code First Girls degree and secure permanent roles with Royal Bank of Scotland. 

The partnership with Code First Girls is an extension of Royal Bank’s commitment to helping displaced Ukrainians. The war in Ukraine has created an urgent need to support thousands of displaced families and individuals.

Throughout the past year, the bank has partnered with Edinburgh City Council and the Scottish Government to open a Welcome Centre within their headquarters. To date, the site has distributed over 10,000 welcome packs and will typically see up to 2000 children’s toothbrushes, 4,000 books and 2,000 sanitary packs handed out in one month alone. 

Code First Girls is dedicated to reducing the gender diversity gap in tech globally by giving more women the opportunity to learn new skills and pursue great careers in tech. To date, they have delivered £75 million worth of free technology education in the UK and have provided free education and employment opportunities for more than 110,000 women. 

Wincie Wong, Head of Workforce Technical Capability, Digital X at Royal Bank of Scotland said: “As a bank we recognise that we have a unique opportunity to utilise our resources and influence real change to improve lives in Scotland.  

“Our latest partnership with Code First Girls allows us to continue our commitment to helping displaced Ukrainians and empowering women in their careers. Through the programme, we will provide bespoke coding and software engineering as well as opportunities to gain work experience and be supported into employment. 

“We’re a relationship bank in a digital world and we recognise the need to continually attract and retain a talented and diverse technology workforce. Building Scotland’s coding and software engineering sector will be vital to reach our full potential as a nation and we can’t wait to see what our inaugural group will achieve”. 

Anna Brailsford, CEO of Code First Girls, said: “We are thrilled to partner with Royal Bank to offer this new opportunity for displaced Ukrainian women to learn new skills and embark on a career path in coding and software engineering. 

“We believe that by empowering women in technology, we can help to build a more diverse and inclusive industry that is better equipped to meet the demands of today and innovate for the future.”

Police Recruitment Event

Thursday 9th March: 6.30pm – 8.30pm online

Are you from an ethnic minority background and curious about a career in policing? Police Scotland is committed to increasing diversity within its workforce to better reflect the increasingly diverse communities we serve.

Join us at our upcoming online information event, which will give you a fantastic opportunity to gain insight on the recruitment process and the training at the Scottish Police College. Plus, there will be an opportunity to ask any questions you may have about working for Police Scotland.

The event will take place on Thursday 9 March, from 6.30pm – 8.30pm, via Microsoft Teams.

To sign up, please email ➡️recruitmentpositiveactionteam@scotland.police.uk

These events are for groups currently under-represented in Police Scotland. The consent, support and cooperation of our fellow citizens lies at the heart of the identity and legitimacy of policing in Scotland.

To ensure that bond is as strong as possible, we must fully represent and reflect the communities we serve. Inclusion is an operational necessity and morally the right thing to do.

We are committed to increasing the number of officers and staff from under-represented groups. There are well documented barriers to some people applying to join the police service.

We therefore run a number of different recruitment events to answer specific questions from people from diverse communities. This is to make sure everyone has fair access to the Police Scotland recruitment process.

Applications are welcome from all suitable candidates, and you can find out more on our website ➡️https://www.scotland.police.uk/recruitment/

Heriot-Watt ranks as Scotland’s best university for landing a Big Four Accounting job

These Scottish universities give you the best chance of working for a Big Four Accounting Firm

  • Heriot-Watt University ranks as the best Scottish university for landing a job at a Big Four Accountancy Firm, with 991 graduates working for PwC, Deloitte, EY or KPMG.
  • University of St. Andrews and The University of Edinburgh rank second and third respectively in Scotland.
  • London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) ranks as the best university in the UK for landing a Big Four job.

Heriot-Watt University ranks as the best Scottish university for landing a role at a Big Four Accounting Firm (PwC, Deloitte, EY and KPMG) according to a new analysis of LinkedIn data.

As undergraduates return for their final year of university this Autumn, many will have their mind set on a career with some of the UK’s largest and most reputable graduate employers.

However, as places for these graduate roles become more competitive, many will be wondering how their university stacks up in terms of career prospects.

Online trading platform and broker CMC Markets, analysed LinkedIn data for the Big Four Accounting Firms, PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), Deloitte, Ernst & Young (EY) and KPMG, to see where their current employees most commonly attended university.

The analysis looked at the UK’s top 60 universities, including all 24 that are members of the Russell Group, to see which universities have the most graduates working for a Big Four Accounting Firm. The figures were also calculated as a proportion of each university’s enrolment size, based on student enrolment for the 2020/21 academic year according to the Higher Education Statistics Agency.

Scotland Universities ranked for Big Four Accounting Jobs

1. Heriot-Watt University – 991 graduates (8.8% of enrolment size)

Heriot-Watt University ranks as the best Scottish university to attend if you want to pursue a career at the Big Four, with a total of 991 university graduates currently employed across these firms. When accounting for the number of students enrolled in a typical academic year at Heriot-Watt, this works out at 8.8% of the total enrolment size placing it top of any Scottish university in the list and 10th overall in the UK.

2. University of St. Andrews – 927 graduates (8.1% of enrolment size)

University of St. Andrews ranks the second-best Scottish university to attend if you want to pursue a career at the Big Four. The university has a total of 927 graduates currently employed across these firms, which works out at 8.1% of the total enrolment size. St. Andrews ranks 12th overall in the UK in terms of graduates in Big Four Accounting roles.

3. The University of Edinburgh – 1,983 graduates (5.2% of enrolment size)

The University of Edinburgh ranks as Scotland’s third best university to attend if you want to pursue a career at the Big Four. The university has a larger total of 1,983 graduates currently employed across these firms, which works out at 5.2% of the total enrolment size. Edinburgh ranks 33rd overall in the UK in terms of graduates in Big Four Accounting roles.

4. University of Strathclyde – 1,202 graduates (4.9% of enrolment size)

University of Strathclyde ranks as Scotland’s fourth best university to attend if you want to pursue a career at the Big Four. The university has a total of 1,202 graduates currently employed across these firms, working out at 4.9% of the total enrolment size. Strathclyde ranks three spots behind at 36th overall in the UK.

5. University of Aberdeen – 580 graduates (3.6% of enrolment size)

University of Aberdeen ranks as Scotland’s fifth best university to attend if you want to pursue a career at the Big Four. The university has a total of 580 graduates currently employed across these firms, working out at 3.6% of the total enrolment size. Aberdeen ranks 40th overall in the UK.

6. University of Glasgow – 1,339 graduates (3.6% of enrolment size)

University of Glasgow ranks as Scotland’s sixth best university to attend if you want to pursue a career at the Big Four. The university has a total of 1,339 graduates currently employed across these firms, also working out at 3.6% of the total enrolment size. Glasgow ranks 41st overall in the UK.

7. University of Stirling – 293 graduates (2.0% of enrolment size)

University of Stirling ranks as Scotland’s seventh best university to attend if you want to pursue a career at the Big Four. The university has a total of 293 graduates currently employed across these firms, working out at 2.0% of the total enrolment size. Stirling ranks 51st overall in the UK.

8. University of Dundee – 279 graduates (1.7% of enrolment size)

University of Dundee ranks as Scotland’s eight best university to attend if you want to pursue a career at the Big Four. The university has a total of 279 graduates currently employed across these firms, working out at 1.7% of the total enrolment size. Dundee ranks 53rd overall in the UK, nearing the bottom of the list.

Top UK Universities for Big Four Accounting Jobs

1. London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) – 5,776 graduates (42.9% of enrolment size)

2. University of Cambridge – 3,401 graduates (15.4% of enrolment size)

3. Oxford Brookes University – 2,355 graduates (13.2% of enrolment size)

4. Durham University – 2,702 graduates (13.1% of enrolment size)

5. University of Lancaster – 1,732 graduates (9.9% of enrolment size)

University ranking by percentage of alumni who list themselves on LinkedIn as working for a Big Four firm

RankUK UniversityPwC EmployeesDeloitte EmployeesEY EmployeesKPMG EmployeesTotalTotal student enrolment (for the 20/21 academic year)Number of alumni working at The Big Four as a percentage of current enrolment size
1.London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)1,4941,7981,4771,0075,77613,45542.9%
2.University of Cambridge8931,0578446073,40122,15515.4%
3.Oxford Brookes University5635598094242,35517,79513.2%
4.Durham University7547945885662,70220,64513.1%
5.University of Lancaster4664354973341,73217,4709.9%
6.University of Warwick7618106145272,71228,1109.6%
7.University of Oxford6618565465042,56727,1509.5%
8.Queen’s University Belfast1,1494884162862,33925,3659.2%
9.University of Bath4805004063221,70818,5559.2%
10.Heriot-Watt University25527327019399111,2008.8%
11.University of Nottingham9198496256503,04335,7858.5%
12.University of St. Andrews28327620216692711,4858.1%
13.Imperial College London4575453713321,70521,3708.0%
14.University of Bristol7176555154762,36329,7857.9%
15.The University of Manchester9871,0017707293,48744,6357.8%
16.University of Birmingham8587965766672,89737,7507.7%
17.SOAS University of London116138951014505,8657.7%
18.University of Southampton4235293373081,59721,3957.5%
19.University of Leeds8817175685442,71036,8407.4%
20.Loughborough University4113792902601,34018,3357.3%
21.University of Exeter6206324674722,19130,2507.2%
22.Queen Mary University of London4155263763481,66523,8707.0%
23.University College London (UCL)8619997035443,10745,7156.8%
24.Newcastle University6604763663111,81327,7756.5%
25.University of Leicester2723252341811,01216,1006.3%
26.Royal Holloway, University of London21023716512773912,2956.0%
27.King’s College London5766995544702,29938,4456.0%
28.Ulster University

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Hospitality expert endorses industry as lasting career option

A SENIOR figure in Edinburgh’s hospitality scene is sharing how the industry can provide a long-term career path, citing how she wants to shake up how jobs in the sector are viewed in Scotland. 

Jackie Hudson plays a key role in driving the strategic direction at city-centre venue Surgeons Quarter which comprises the city’s largest independent hotel, Ten Hill Place, along with a thriving conference and events business that maximises the commercial use of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (RCSEd) buildings and venues.

After 17 years of working in the industry is citing her experience to encourage others not to view it as a short-term job solution, of which she was once guilty of, having started in an events manager role after completing college while initially thinking of undertaking a career teaching maths.

As the industry recovers from the pandemic and manoeuvres continual economic fallout including a prolonged hiring crisis, Jackie believes now is the opportune time to make the move into hospitality.

These challenges have introduced positive changes across working hours, pay, training and development with more organisations increasing incentives – which previously were deemed key deterrents when viewing the industry as a long-term career plan.

Jackie (41), who serves as Revenue Manager and is part of Surgeons Quarter’s senior management team, said: “Working in the hospitality industry has presented opportunities I could only have dreamed of. It can be turbulent, busy and challenging but isn’t every industry like that these days?

“As an industry we’ve perhaps been too shy to shout about what a career can mean. I’d say lots of organisations have really had to focus on their development opportunities, conditions and base pay. I’m confident that we are at the very forefront of this nationally and striving to stay there.

“If you love interacting with people, want to create your own niche and are ready to learn from real life experience, the hospitality industry is the perfect career choice for you.

I’m also extremely proud to play a part in marketing Edinburgh on a national and international level. When I first started out, I never would’ve thought I’d be forecasting the revenue across such a diverse portfolio business.”

Highlighting the breadth of experiences Jackie has been able to undertake at Surgeons Quarter, earlier this month she was invited by Surgeons Quarter’s Managing Director, Scott Mitchell, to accompany him to the RCSEd’s International Conference in Chennai, India.

Scott said: “Jackie is a real lynchpin within our business. She isn’t front and centre at events or with our clients, so perhaps doesn’t always get the spotlight she deserves. 

“She is the embodiment of somebody that has carved a very strong career in hospitality and it’s been a privilege to see her develop and thrive as part of our team.”

As part of Jackie’s role, she plays an active part in recruitment and has a keen interest in building a diverse workforce to incorporate a variety of skills and abilities.

With over 22 different nationalities making up the 178-strong team, the multicultural business has placed focus on professional development and bringing the benefits of a career in the industry to forefront for those just starting out.

Surgeons Quarter promotes, sells and manages all commercial activities held within the RCSEd campus, which includes Ten Hill Place Hotel.

Since 2021 it has secured the Living Wage Accreditation while also increasing its team’s pension contributions to 7.5%.

For more information on events, conferences and meeting space at Surgeons Quarter visit: https://www.surgeonsquarter.com/conferences-meetings/

Police Scotland recruitment events

Police Scotland are hosting a range of online recruitment events via Microsoft Teams for those interested in making a difference and giving back to communities as a police officer.

Black Minority Ethnic and White Minority Ethnic online recruitment events are taking place from 6.30pm – 8.30pm on Thursday, 25th August, Thursday, 8 September, Thursday, 15 September and Thursday, 22 September.

There is also a women’s online recruitment event on Tuesday, 13 September from 6.30pm – 8.00pm and a European online recruitment event on Tuesday, 27 September from 6.30pm – 8.30pm.

These events are for groups currently under-represented in Police Scotland. The consent, support and cooperation of our fellow citizens lies at the heart of the identity and legitimacy of policing in Scotland.

To ensure that bond is as strong as possible, we must fully represent and reflect the communities we serve. Inclusion is an operational necessity and morally the right thing to do. We are committed to increasing the number of officers and staff from under-represented groups.

Those who attend will be given an insight into the application and training process, the role of a police officer and the endless opportunities available once you embark on this exciting career path.

To sign up, please specify the name and date of the event you would like to attend and email ➡️ recruitmentpositiveactionteam@scotland.police.uk

National Trust for Scotland launches recruitment drive with positions available in Edinburgh and Lothians

The National Trust for Scotland is offering people from across Edinburgh and the Lothians the opportunity to play a part in the future of Scotland’s heritage.

By joining Scotland’s leading conservation charity at one of seven Trust sites across Edinburgh and the Lothians individuals can make the most of the health and wellbeing benefits of working in Scotland’s beautiful nature, while telling the stories of Scotland’s history and preserving important sites, such as Gladstone’s Land and House of the Binns for generations to come.

Last month the National Trust for Scotland launched its new 10-year strategy, Nature, Beauty & Heritage for Everyone, which outlined ambitious plans for the years ahead – from becoming carbon negative through to speaking up for Scotland’s heritage that doesn’t have a voice and increasing visitor numbers to more than 6 million per year. To support its ambitions, the charity is recruiting for 300 roles across Scotland.

Across Edinburgh and the Lothians, the Trust is recruiting for a variety of roles, including several of which are brand new positions for 2022. Together, these roles will contribute directly to the charity’s ambitious objectives across conservation, engagement and sustainability.

There are opportunities to be part of the team working hard behind the scenes with roles such as Nature and Landscape Data Officer and Maintenance Surveyor, among others available at the Trust’s Headquarters in Edinburgh. if you want to work in one of the oldest buildings on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, Gladstone’s Land is recruiting for Visitor Service Assistants to share their enthusiasm and passion with visitors.

In East Lothian, an exciting opportunity has arisen to work in the bustling kitchen within Newhailes Estate where every scone baked and sold helps save Scotland’s heritage.

Other Lothian roles available include Visitor Services Assistants, Supervisors, and Manager positions at House of the Binns and Preston Mill. 

With sites such as The Georgian House and Preston Mill known for their links to TV, fans of Outlander, Landward and The Secret Agent can walk in the footsteps of their heroes every day as they take on the role of Visitor Service Assistant.

Stuart Maxwell, General Manager, Edinburgh and East, National Trust for Scotland said: “It’s an incredibly exciting time to join the Trust, particularly following the launch of Nature, Beauty & Heritage for Everyone and the big ambitions we have for the next ten years. With a range of vacancies at our properties, there is always something new to uncover and no two days are ever the same.

“With opportunities ranging from Gardener to Catering roles, there are so many different ways to play a part in sharing the stories of our rich heritage with visitors from all over the world, all while preserving it to ensure it’s there for future generations to discover.

“We are looking for people who are passionate about improving the lives of others through access to Scotland’s nature, beauty and heritage, and who want to get up and head to a job they love every day with a team who share their enthusiasm.”

For more information on the National Trust for Scotland and the vacancies available across Edinburgh and the Lothians, visit www.nts.org.uk/careers.

NHS Scotland recruitment boost

Scottish health boards have recruited more than 1,000 additional healthcare support staff and almost 200 registered nurses from overseas to help address the unprecedented challenges facing the NHS.

The support staff recruitment drive, backed by £15 million, was launched by Health Secretary Humza Yousaf last October. The new employees will be working in a variety of roles, both in acute hospitals and in community health teams.

Under a separate £4.5 million initiative, offers of employment have been signed with 191 nurses from countries including India and the Philippines, with some already arrived and in posts in hospitals across the country, while agreements are in place with recruitment agencies for a further 203. The figure is likely to increase significantly over the coming months as boards take advantage of new infrastructure for employing qualified international staff.

All international recruitment is in line with the Scottish Code of Practice for health and social care personnel, which demonstrates Scotland’s commitment to ethical recruitment to protect the healthcare systems of developing countries.

Health and Social Care Secretary Humza Yousaf said: “The pandemic has been the biggest shock our NHS has faced in its 73 year existence. To help deal with Winter pressures and pressure brought on by the current Covid wave we are expanding and investing in our NHS workforce.

“Our hardworking and compassionate health and social care staff have been on the frontline of patient care throughout the pandemic and I am incredibly grateful to them all.

“In October, we set ambitious targets to boost the number of health care support staff and step up international nurse recruitment. I am delighted with the success of the recruitment campaigns and seeing the new staff already providing frontline patient care.

“Scotland has the best paid NHS staff in the UK and record workforce levels, with more than 155,000 whole time equivalent (WTE) staff now working in the service. We are determined to continue this progress as we recover from the pandemic.

“Our National Workforce Strategy for Health and Social Care commits to understanding how we can achieve a more sustainable, skilled workforce which makes careers in health and social care – at all levels – more attractive.”

Thistle pilots innovative new training academy to help people move into social care roles

Applications open for Thistle Academy 

Edinburgh health and wellbeing charity, Thistle, has launched a pilot ten-week training course for those looking to start or return to work in social care at a time when many are questioning their career choice as we recover from the pandemic.  

The Thistle Academy is a first in Scotland and has been launched in response to the growing need for long-term social care support and will provide vital training and guidance for those looking for a career in social care.   

Successful applicants will benefit from an intensive training course, as well as a £500 welcome payment and full pay from day one.  

Thistle, which employs just under 500 people and supports over a hundred people with disabilities or long term health conditions to live independently across Edinburgh, the Lothians and Fife, has seen a significant demand for services throughout the pandemic. Many of its employees have come from different sectors looking to move into a role supporting others. 

A national Aviva survey* found that three in five UK workers wanted to make changes to their careers because of the pandemic, with those aged between 25 and 34 most likely to want to retrain or pursue a completely different career. 

The launch comes as part of the charity’s ongoing recruitment drive and commitment to employee training and development. The in-depth, people-focused course will allow successful applicants to fully develop their confidence before embarking on their social care career.  

Heather Simmons, Thistle Academy Lead, said: “We want to ensure the highest standard of support is available for people living with disabilities and long-term health conditions, which is why we are so pleased to be launching our Thistle Academy for the first time and to be helping those looking to take an important next step in their career. 

“Our trainees will work alongside a supportive cohort of like-minded people who have a passion to make a difference to the lives of others, encouraging those with disabilities or long-term health conditions to live life to the fullest.” 

Mark Hoolahan, Chief Executive of Thistle, commented: “The social care industry is full of highly skilled people who draw on their own experience and natural empathy with others to deliver the best support possible.

“I hope the programme will help attract people who might be looking to make a significant career change and give them the support and confidence they need to progress.   

“The last two years have demonstrated the vital role of social care  in so many people’s lives. The Thistle Academy is our way of showing how much we value our employees and believe in the real difference they can make.

“I hope we will be able to offer further courses later in the year and that the academy will become a permanent part of our recruitment process going forward.” 

To apply to the Thistle Academy, please visit: https://www.thistle.org.uk/academy/apply.  

Applicants should send in a personal statement and a ‘best selfie’ that demonstrates their values, strengths, interests, and why they would be the best fit for the academy. The closing date for applications is Friday 8 April and the course starts on Monday 25th April.  

Finalists will go through to the recruitment day at the Thistle site in Craigmillar, giving them the chance to meet and chat to those supported by the charity, as well as the chance to talk to existing employees. 

Case study – Tracey and Emma’s story  

Tracey is a mum, runs her own travel consultancy business, and lives some distance away from Emma, who she supports on a one-to-one basis. 

Tracey works part-time supporting Emma,  including sleepovers in case Emma needs support during the night, which fits well into Tracey’s routine. 

Tracey acknowledges being a mum to three boys as being good preparation for her role at Thistle. She said: “You’re always having to listen, think ahead, adapt plans and deal with the unexpected. That gave me confidence. 

“I still work as a travel agent and learned from my Thistle experience. One specialism I have added is that I now can offer accessible holidays for people with disabilities. 

“The most rewarding aspect of my role at Thistle is helping Emma live the life that she wants. We really do have lots of fun and laughs together.” 

Case study – Garry’s story  

For more than 30 years, Garry was an engineer and enjoyed the variety he found in this role. He started in Naval defence, working on the design of ships and travelled regularly for work, and then moved to the oil and gas sector where he was able to work locally in Fife.  

Garry had begun to feel the motivation he once had for his job disappear, and when the pandemic hit and the option for voluntary redundancy came about, he took it, and started to reflect on what he wanted his working legacy to be. 

Garry’s personal experience led him to consider support work as the next step in his career. After losing his aunty, his uncle moved into sheltered housing, and Garry became aware of how isolated his uncle was during the pandemic and the many challenges he was faced. Garry soon realised that there were many people like his uncle in the same situation and started looking for job adverts in social care.  

Garry said: “The number of jobs advertised for social work made me realise how much of a need there is, but I felt my chance of getting my foot in the door, given my background, was slim.

“Christine, a coach at Thistle, was great, explaining that Thistle would provide training and that the right person was more important than previous experience.” 

Garry has now been working with Thistle for nearly a year and works closely with a visually impaired man to help him make the most out of life, taking him on day trips all over Scotland and supporting his passion for music.  

Garry continued: “Since I’ve started working at Thistle, I’ve realised the amount of people from every walk of life who need support.

“It’s an important role, and it’s rewarding knowing you are making a difference.” 

* https://www.peoplemanagement.co.uk/news/articles/three-in-five-employees-planning-career-changes-because-of-covid#gref