***Photography by Mike Bolam***

DYW Ayrshire and DYW Dumfries & Galloway partnered to deliver an exciting Outdoor Careers Event at Crawick Multiverse, Sanquhar, bringing together pupils and employers for a unique day of hands-on learning and career exploration.

The event marked the second collaboration between the two DYW regions and was the first of its kind to be held entirely outdoors. Set against the stunning backdrop of Crawick Multiverse, the event was designed to showcase the wide range of careers that take place in outdoor environments and inspire young people to consider opportunities within these sectors.

Employers and organisations in attendance included Jones Brothers Civil Engineering & CWP Energy, TARFF, DG Owl, Forestry and Land Scotland, National Farmers Union, Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere, SPEN, QTS Group, South of Scotland Enterprise (SOSE), Vestas, Grange Quarry and the Crichton Carbon Centre.

Throughout the day, pupils took part in a combination of industry insight sessions and practical, hands-on activities, giving them the opportunity to learn directly from employers while experiencing aspects of different careers for themselves. The event highlighted the breadth of opportunities available across sectors including energy, engineering, environmental conservation, agriculture, forestry and construction.

Approximately 270 pupils from nine secondary schools across Dumfries & Galloway and one Ayrshire secondary school attended the event.

To maximise engagement, seven interactive workshops were delivered throughout the day. Pupils were assigned a programme of activities, participating in four workshops before lunch and three in the afternoon. Each session lasted 25 minutes, with a five-minute transition period between workshops, allowing young people to experience a variety of industries and career pathways.

By combining employer engagement with experiential learning, the event helped pupils develop a greater understanding of outdoor careers, the skills required within these industries, and the diverse opportunities available across the south of Scotland.