Apprentice Day For Highland Youth Voice Members

28th March 2011

The Highland Youth Voice Apprentice Day is running for the 6th time on Wednesday, 30th March with 14 young people aged 15-17 from Lochaber, Nairn, Wick, Fortrose, Dingwall, Kingussie and the Inverness area taking part.

Highland Youth Voice, the elected Youth Parliament for the Highlands, holds an annual 'Apprentice Day' on which members of the Highland Youth Voice shadow Senior Managers. The aim of Apprentice Day is to give young people a better understanding of the services provided for them and how services impact on and consult with young people. It also provides an opportunity for Senior Managers to gauge young people's views of their service and for the service to become more aware of the function of Highland Youth Voice.

Senior Officials involved include The Highland Council Chief Executive, Service Directors and Elected Members. In addition, there are representatives from NHS Highland, Northern Constabulary, Highland and Islands Fire and Rescue and HM Prison Service.

Officials will meet their Apprentices at 10:00 am and be accompanied by the young people in a range of meetings and business activities in and around Inverness. The day will conclude with a more informal discussion reflecting on the event.

Convener of the Highland Council, Sandy Park said: "We actively encourage young people to get involved in their local communities and put across their views on a wide range of topics. Their input can shape the way public services are delivered. The Apprentice Day is a great opportunity to find out a bit more, first hand, how the Council works and how the confidence and new skills they are learning can be transferred into a work situation. I am certainly looking forward to meeting my apprentice Abigail Sked and I wish all the young people taking part a successful and productive day."

The day is organised by the Highland Council's Youth Services team, including Gemma Mackintosh, Highland Youth Convener. Gemma said: "I'm really looking forward to the day, as I have previously been involved in the apprentice day as a youth voice member and appreciate what a valuable experience it can be. I now have an apprentice of my own! I'm sure the day will be a great success and that the officials and young people will benefit from it."