More than 40 years changing lives with careers advice
Renfrewshire careers adviser Lesley MacKay to retire after over four decades in the role
Skills Development Scotland (SDS) careers adviser Lesley MacKay is to retire this summer after 43 years helping thousands of people achieve their ambitions.
Most recently based at Park Mains High School in Erskine, Lesley began her career in England before spells in Dundee and now Renfrewshire.
Although the world of work has been transformed since 1982, a key factor is unchanged, according to Lesley.
She said: “Young people are still the same. They still have the same aspirations; they’ve still got the same worries – and they still need the same support and encouragement. That will never change, and that’s what we’re here to do.”
Lesley has supported thousands of young people take their career next steps during her time in the role.
Former pupil at Park Mains, Caiden Patterson, is about to start his course in drama at West College Scotland. He’s benefited from Lesley’s support with his application, and through different stages at school.
Caiden said: “Knowing I’ve got into the course with Lesley’s support is mind-blowing!
“Words can’t describe how appreciative I am, or how excited I am for this course to start in the new term.”
It’s the joy in people’s faces when you do just a wee thing to help them achieve their goals.
Lesley MacKay
Lesley is one of hundreds of Skills Development Scotland careers advisers providing expert career information, advice and guidance in all state schools dedicated centres and community spaces across Scotland.
Head of Operations – West at SDS, Sharon Kelly, congratulated Lesley on her achievement.
Sharon said: “I’m pleased to have the opportunity to recognise Lesley’s long service and dedication to her role as a careers adviser, during which time she’s made a huge difference to the young people she’s worked with.
“She’s also shared her knowledge and experience with colleagues and partners, which many people have benefitted from, leaving a lasting legacy.”
Lesley has been able to reflect on the many accomplishments throughout her career. She said: “One of the things I’m most proud of is that I can go back into any of the schools I’ve worked at and be welcomed as a careers adviser.
“To me that’s an achievement – it means you’ve done a good job and people appreciate what SDS does for them.”
Lesley added: “Coming to work can make you really happy. All you need is someone to come back and say, ‘you really helped me’, or ‘thank you very much’, or ‘you made me sound really good when I applied to college’.
“It’s the joy in people’s faces when you do just a wee thing to help them achieve their goals.”