Pupil career aspirations broadening to meet opportunities
A nationwide study shows that jobs in engineering and construction, medical and healthcare and creative industries are top choices for senior phase pupils.
Creative industries is the most popular career choice for younger secondary pupils before aspirations broaden out to a wider range of jobs.
The research from Scotland’s skills agency, Skills Development Scotland (SDS), took insight from over 9,000 school pupils covering S1 to S6.
Career aspirations change
The results between the two groups of S1-3 and S4-6 showed the major broadening in career aspiration, which also showed that one in five of those in the younger group were still unsure of the career they wanted to pursue.
Minister for Higher and Further Education Ben Macpherson heard from pupils about their ambitions and about the range of industry opportunities during a visit to Leith Academy to mark Scottish Careers Week.
Mr Macpherson said: “Scottish Careers Week helps to showcase the range of industries and options that there are in Scotland, along with the training and support available, to enable individuals of all ages to achieve their career goals and potential.
“The week is a chance for employers and careers teams to promote the exciting opportunities that there are across the country and connect with people about the range of support available.”
Voice of pupils shaping support
Pupils also shared their experiences of how the curriculum, volunteering and partnership work between the school, SDS and Developing the Young Workforce has supported their career considerations and their journey to positive destinations.
This is the second year SDS has published its Pupil Voice research covering senior phase of S4 – S6 and first time it has taken in a pilot of 700 S1 – S3 pupils.
Mr Macpherson joined pupils in experiencing My World of Work Live – interactive experiences that use technology to help young people learn about careers.
The sessions highlighted the opportunities and skills across industries in the creative sector as well as health and engineering.
Scottish Careers Week 2025
Co-ordinated by Skills Development Scotland (SDS) Scottish Careers Week 2025 highlights emerging sectors, evolving job roles and the stories of people shaping their futures through Scotland’s modern careers service with hundreds of events and activities across the country.
National skills and workforce agency SDS offers free professional careers advice in more than 700 schools and community venues across Scotland.
Advisers use local and national labour market intelligence about growth industries to help people make choices about rewarding careers.
Support to realise potential
Head of careers information, advice and guidance at SDS, Dave McCallum said: “Scottish Careers Week celebrates the industries, careers paths and opportunities across the country.
“Professional careers advisers provide the support all-year round to help people of all ages realise their potential.”
Leith Academy Head Teacher Mike Irving said: “We believe every young person has the right and the ability to achieve their potential.
“Insight into the range of opportunities and career paths helps inspire young people to reach positive destinations, and to contribute effectively to their community and society.”
Education, Children and Families Convener Cllr James Dalgleish said: “It’s so encouraging to see this work being carried out to benefit our young people across the city. I believe every young person has the right and the ability to achieve their potential and we encourage all of our young people to follow their own path. Our aim is to provide inclusive, equitable and relevant curriculum pathways into further or higher education and to the workplace, to allow every single pupil the access they need to a wide range of careers.
“Giving young people sight of the range of opportunities available to them to reach their full potential is such an important part of this week.”
Find the latest Pupil Voice research on the SDS website.