Name, new job title and schools you are going to be covering:
Aimee Maitland, Employer School Coordinator.
Alford Academy, Inverurie Academy and St Andrew's School (Inverurie).
As a young person, what was your aspirations growing up?
When I was very young I aspired to be a hairdresser but after cutting off all the hair of my barbie dolls it’s probably best that I didn’t go down this route! As I got older, my aspirations were more general in that I always wanted to do something where I worked with people and felt as though I could add some value to.
What pathway did you follow when you left school?
I left school and went to university to study geography and politics. Initially I intended to pursue a career in politics but while at university I had a casual job working in Human Resources. After graduating from uni, I continued to work in HR as it was something I enjoyed. Within HR, I focused on the learning and development aspect, supporting employees with their skills and career development.
What are you most excited about getting stuck into in your new role?
Bringing employers and young people together and supporting them both with the opportunities and possibilities of working together.
How crucial do you think the link is between schools and employers?
I believe it is very crucial. Young people are the future workforce so we need employers to engage with young people for the future sustainability and innovation of businesses. Young people need to understand the skills they require for their future employment and employers are best placed to support this.
What do you think is the greatest benefit to employers that are involved with DYW?
By investing time in young people now, employers will see the return on their investment both directly and indirectly as the young people of today and tomorrow enter the workforce in the future.
Do you have a motto or personal mantra that you live by?
I have 2:
1.Every day is a learning day (even when you finish school).
2. Your past and present obstacles serve as the steppingstones to your future.
What would be your one piece of advice to 12-year old you?
Listen and absorb all the information and knowledge that is being shared with you – knowledge is power.
