Creative programme helps young people get kickstart to cultural careers

Pupils from every Renfrewshire secondary and ASN school are being given a unique insight into creative and cultural careers through a bespoke programme taking place during March.

The Renfrewshire Pathways Programme opens up the world of creative jobs and careers to more than 200 third year pupils. It’s organised by Renfrewshire Council, University of the West of Scotland (UWS), West College Scotland (WCS) and OneRen, running for the third year with funding from the Council’s cultural programme.

Pupils take part in interactive workshops with experienced professionals during their one-day visit to the university and college at the Paisley campuses.

Topics include podcasting, tourism and events, technical theatre, media and film, photography, and weaving with Paisley Museum. Pupils also get a guided tour of UWS or WCS to see the facilities and learning support available.

Education Convener for Renfrewshire Council, Councillor Emma Rodden, said: “Giving young people the chance to see what creative and cultural careers are out there can open up so much for them. It broadens horizons right at the time young people in third year are looking ahead and starting to make decisions about what their future career might entail.

“Over the three years, the programme has developed and expanded, helping more young people imagine futures they may never have considered before. The partnership between UWS, WCS, OneRen and the Council are what makes this programme happen, delivering for our young people.”

Professor Sandro Carnicelli from the School of Business and Creative Industries at UWS said: “UWS is a placemaking institution and the Creative Pathway programme is an amazing opportunity to show to the Secondary Schools in Renfrewshire that we are here for them.

“The Creative pathway demonstrates the possibilities UWS can offer to those interested in studying and working in Events, Tourism, Media and Arts among other programmes.”

Paul McLaughlin, Head of Creative Industries at WCS, said: “The creative pathways programme is key in demonstrating to young people in our communities the options available to them in the creative industries and their ability to take their passions and interests and turn them into a tangible career path.

“This is the third year we have taken part and we are now seeing pupils we engaged with in the first year coming though onto our HNCs and HNDs.”