21st Jan, 2021

Introducing Kevin Warrander, one of DYW North East's new Employer School Coordinators

Meet Kevin and the rest of the team through these Q&A's.

Name, new job title and schools you are going to be covering:

My name is Kevin Warrander (also known as Tev) and my new job title is DYW Employer School Coordinator. I will be covering Fraserburgh Academy, Mintlaw Academy and Anna-Ritchie School in Peterhead.

As a young person, what was your aspirations growing up?

I always wanted to be a professional football player or a professional skateboarder growing up but then I realised you had to be amazingly good at those sports for them to be a full-time job. I was also quite creative so I decided I wanted to work within the creative industries.

What pathway did you follow when you left school?

I left school in 4th year with standard grades. I attended NESCol in Aberdeen and studied Media Studies but that did not go to plan, I broke my leg and became a dad all within a few months so had to quickly find a job so I could earn money to support my family. I then started doing some volunteering as a youth worker with CLD and after a few years I ended up being a full-time Community Learning Worker, something I had never thought of as a career but found out I was pretty good at it. I really do not think I would have chosen that path had I not had the setback when I was 16 and at college.

What are you most excited about getting stuck into in your new role?

I am super excited to get started and get to know everyone I will be working with in all the schools in my remit. My new role is such an exciting one as there are opportunities to work with a whole range of people from a range of different backgrounds, from pupils to teachers to employers and even families to ensure everyone is aware of who we are and what we do and how we can support them to achieve what they want to achieve.

How crucial do you think the link is between schools and employers?

I think the link between schools and employers is crucial as I think the earlier a young person has the chance to be in the same room as an employer, the better for everyone. That young person can learn to understand what an employer expects and how to go about it, but I also think it’s crucial for employers to spend time with young people to understand them and their backgrounds and help build their confidence and self-esteem around employability.

What do you think is the greatest benefit to employers that are involved with DYW?

I think the greatest benefit to employers who are involved with DYW is they get the chance to meet their potential future employees and help shape them to succeed in their work environment.

Do you have a motto or personal mantra that you live by?

Don’t worry about a thing, because every little thing is going to be alright.

What would be your one piece of advice to 12-year old you?

Find out what you like doing best and get someone to pay you for doing it.

Get in touch with the team at info@dyw.org.uk

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